Welcome New Central Connector for Jewish Family Network Metrowest!Kimberly Yaari lives in Framingham with her husband Alon and their two children, Ariella (7) and Liora (10 months).  Thefamily made a cross-country move from Southern California to Massachusetts over three years ago and has embraced their new life in the Metrowest area…

In addition to her new role as Connector, she is also the Volunteer Coordinator for the professional choral group Cappella Clausura and a soprano with the Heritage Chorale in Framingham.  Kimberly and her family are active members of Temple Israel of Natick and Ariella is a first grader at the Metrowest JewishDay School.  Here, Kimberly talks about her new home and experiences within the Metrowest Jewish community.

What brought you to the Massachusetts from California, and how did you first connect with Jewish Family Network?

My husband got the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a research scientist at MIT so we decided to make a fresh start. We packed up our then three year old and moved here without knowing anyone! Our decision on where to live was based almost entirely on theJewish community and the availability of services in the area. Before we moved I did extensive internet research on synagogues, schools, and of course Jewish FamilyService. The Metrowest area seemed like a natural fit with so many options for being part of a community. I was excited to see that JFN had a playgroup and events for toddlers and started going to them as soon as we moved to the Metrowest area.

In your position at JFN, do you have any special goals for yourself?

I feel like I have been a Connector in the Metrowest Jewish community long before I started working for JFN!  My main goal as the Central Connector is to reach out to otherJewish families and let them know about all of the different ways they can be part of a community, be it at JFN, through a school or synagogue, or just hanging out at the park on a summer day. There truly is something for everyone in the Metrowest area.

You moved to Massachusetts looking for a Jewish community, how might your experiences help to other parents?

In California we felt isolated as a Jewish family, where there may be one synagogue for miles and no way for a Jewish community to come together.  When I first came here I was overwhelmed with how warm and welcoming the community was, and I hope to share that experience with other parents who are new to the area. As someone who has direct experience with several Jewish organizations in Central Metrowest, I can give hands on knowledge and suggestions, and hopefully ease the transition.

What are some additional ways parents can get connected in the Central Metrowest Area?

In addition to our regular emails, I will be making frequent posts to our facebook page: 

www.facebook.com/JewishFamilyNetwork. I will post up-to-date information on activities, including rain dates and other changes.  

You can also follow me on twitter: @JFNCentral, where I will keep people up to date about any activities that I am participating in, including non-JFN events. 

This summer I will be out and about with my two kids and hope that parents will join me at local parks, beaches, concerts and more!

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