Benovitz to chair Shalom Baby; first program is Oct. 14

Benovitz to chair Shalom Baby; first program is Oct. 14

by Shiela Steinman Wallace, Editor

Calling all new and expectant mothers. The Jewish Community Center is reviving its Shalom Baby program, and the first event will be Monday, October 14. Come to Keneseth Israel at 10 a.m. to enjoy music and singing led by Cantor Sharon Hordes.

Shannon Levine Benovitz has just agreed to chair the program and is eager to begin planning more programs.

“As a new mom,” she said, “I think it’s very important to connect with other new mothers, especially during the early weeks when you’re at home.” Shalom Baby is one way to establish those links and build a community that can transition into the PJ Library program when the children are ready.

Benovitz has lots of ideas for the program. “Perhaps we could create a Facebook group or an email group, which would allow moms to connect and ask questions,” she said. For newborns she suggested programs with music, like the one already planned, or other sounds or lights. As the babies get a little older and learn to sit and crawl, perhaps some activities that encourage them to use those new skills and expend some energy.

She also sees it as a way for new mothers to find each other. “If you really hit it off with somebody,” she said, “you might make a new friend and you can have mommy and baby time with that person.”

There may also be some programs with Jewish themes like  a baby Shabbat or music for the holidays.

Benovitz envisions some programs for mommies only, too – maybe a manicure day or bringing in someone to give massages or even speakers on topics like healthy eating or exercising or going back to work.

While she has many ideas, Benovitz really wants to work with a committee to ensure that Shalom Baby’s programs meet the needs of the community.

Shalom Baby also presents each new mother with a gift basket.

If you’re interested in participating in Shalom Baby you can sign up online at www.jewishlouisville.org, or to sign up for the program or volunteer for the committee, contact Jennifer Tuvlin, Shalom Baby’s staff liaison at 238-2719 or jtuvlin@jewishlouisville.org.

Benovitz is a member of the Jewish Community of Louisville Board of Directors and co-chair of its Marketing Committee. She and her mother, Diane Levine, provide support for the Discover CATCH program used in the JCC’s Early Childhood Education program to promote health lifestyle choices through the Jay Levine Youth Fund.

Benovitz and her husband, Todd, have a son, Jayson, born July 20. She will soon be starting part time work as director of marketing for Maryhurst.

Leave a Reply