Throughout the year, the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ (JFGMW) has been engaging its communities across Essex, Morris, Union, Sussex and Somerset counties with webinars, seminars and other virtual activities. Families who are part of PJ Library, an organization that sends free Jewish children’s books to families across the world every month, are invited to a host of fun and educational opportunities. One such event is a virtual children’s concert series.
“Shabbat Shaboom with Erica Rabner” will be held on Friday, July 31, at 9:30 a.m. for children 5 years and younger. Given the cancellation of many in-person Jewish early childhood programs and summer activities, JFGMW is eager to provide interactive content for this age group. This concert is the second of a three-concert series that was planned during quarantine.
Upon registration, families receive a link with directions on how to make DIY instruments, such as drums made out of spoons and metal pots or maracas made out of dry beans or rice in a jar. In addition to music, children will also have the opportunity to share what they love about Shabbat.
Rabner will be singing Jewish and secular songs and a mix of covers and original music. She will perform her original song, “Tikkun Olam,” and segue into a conversation about how to care for our world and the people in it, particularly by maintaining health and hygiene during quarantine. She always aims to craft an interactive space to communicate with the children, and will respond to their energy levels as if it were a live show.
The Summer Family Concert Series is one of the many summer programs offered by the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ. Others include the Summer Fun in a Box for families and Summer Mitzvah Mania Plus for teenagers. These opportunities are supported by a group of dedicated community partners and the Cooperman family Charitable Fund.
“We knew that the plans for so many kids were turned upside down this summer,” said philanthropist Jodi Cooperman, of the Cooperman Family Foundation. “Our family worked with the Federation to brainstorm ways to engage children and families in new ways from their homes, and we are really happy to see how it is all working out.”
The final virtual concert in the series, featuring Camp Yachad’s house band, the Shabbatones, will be held on Friday, August 14. Families can sign up at www.jfedgmw.org.
By Josh Gindi
