It takes will power to wake up unbearably early on a Sunday morning, pack up your gear, and head up to the Mountains. But the families at the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates who summoned the energy were treated to a bright sunny day on the slopes. Catamount greeted the YIJE skiers of all ages with some fresh snow and friendly faces, all looking to take advantage of that last bit of wintry fun. This adventure was organized by hard-working YIJE youth director Jacob Herskowitz, who worked to make the day hassle free and affordable for all.

One week later, many of the same families were back at the YIJE building for another YIJE Family Mitzvah Mornings to kick off the Purim season of fun and giving. Harnessing the shul’s culture of service to the community, fun, and tz’dakah, Rabbi Dov and Miriam Lerner were on hand with their daughters to lead the chesed charge. This month, YIJE kids and parents decorated and packed 50 Mishloach Manos packages for Tomchei Shabbos. These will be delivered on Purim day to local families. The entire program was sponsored by Jennifer and Jeffrey Daniel in honor of their daughter Emily’s bat mitzvah and coordinated by Yael Schreiber, who works tirelessly to keep the Mitzvah Morning program going each month!

To learn more about events for both kids and adults at YI Jamaica Estates, visit www.yije.org.