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Welcome to Shalom Baby

Shalom Baby holds first meet-up of New Year

Got kids? Join UJA NNJ’s Shalom Baby on Wednesday, August 18, for a meet-up – with songs, craft, stories and snacks – at the Bergen County Y, a JCC, 605 Pascack Road in Washington Township, for Shalom Baby and PJ Library Do Rosh Hashanah.

Beginning at 10 a.m. there will be a gathering of Shalom Baby moms with new coordinator, Cheryl Averta; from 10:30-11:15 a.m. there will be a reading of Apples and Honey, a story from the PJ Library, for little ones up to age 3; and from 12 noon to 1 p.m., there will be pizza and a reading of Today is the Birthday of the World for kids age 3 and up.

Shalom Baby welcomes moms and dads, and their newborns or newly-adopted children, into the Jewish community with play groups and special events. It is administered by UJA NNJ’s Synagogue Leadership Initiative. PJ Library introduces a new generation to the richness and depth of our Jewish heritage through books.

This Shalom Baby meet-up is free, but reservations are required. For information or to RSVP, please call Cheryl Averta, 201-820-3900, ext. 320 or email cheryla@ujannj.org.

Are you a proud grandparent?
Is there a new baby in your life?

Would you like to help your grandchildren (and children) make Jewish friends and feel connected to their Jewish heritage?
Are you a proud grandparent?
Is there a new baby in your life?
Would you like to help your grandchildren (and children) make Jewish friends and feel connected to their Jewish heritage?

Shalom Baby can help!!
Shalom Baby welcomes parents and their newborns, or newly adopted children, into the Jewish community.  Shalom Baby also offers play groups, family education programs, special events and more.

Shalom Baby playdates Sundays at 9:00am
(dates will follow)

Having a baby should be among life's most joyous events. But for many new Jewish parents in our community, it often leads to a feeling of isolation—especially if they have recently moved to suburbia and lack the traditional support of parents and grandparents who often live far away. In order to help new mothers and fathers feel closer to the community, the Synagogue Leadership Initiative of the UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey sponsors the Shalom Baby. The goal of this initiative is to reach out to young Jewish families who have recently experienced the birth or adoption of a child. The program helps young families network with each other and connect to the Jewish community.

"One of the most beautiful things about having a baby is feeling more connected to your own family. But it shouldn't stop there. It is also an opportunity to feel more connected to your community," says Diane Schusterman Bank, chair of the Shalom Baby Committee from Fair Lawn. "Through Shalom Baby, young mothers and fathers can feel more connected to our Jewish community. It is so helpful for someone to call or stop by and tell young parents where they can go for Jewish nursery programs, what day schools have to offer, or where to turn if they need any help."

Shalom Baby is an outreach program of the Synagogue Leadership Initiative (SLI) that welcomes parents and their newborns or newly adopted children into the UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey’s community.  The program is a wonderful way for new parents to find support and build a social connection during this special time in their lives.

 Return to Synagogue Leadership Initiative
Synagogue Leadership Initiative

Lisa Harris Glass
Director
LisaG@ujannj.org
201-820-3941

Judy Beck
Senior Community Strategist
JudyB@ujannj.org
201-820-3901

Stacey Orden
Bonim Coordinator
StaceyO@ujannj.org
201-820-3903

Cheryl Averta
Shalom Baby Coordinator
CherylA@ujannj.org 
201-820-3900 x. 320

Nickie Falk
Consultant
NickieF@ujannj.org
201-820-3902

Nancy Perlman
Manager of Process Programs
and Funding Development
NancyP@ujannj.org
201-820-3904