We are the Bilanow family–Bryna, Olgierd, Felix, Leo, and Eli–and we are very excited to be part of the FJC community! All of us are life-long New Yorkers, and have been living in Ditmas Park for the past 10 years. Bryna runs a preschool, Olgierd works as an IT manager for NYC, and Felix, Leo, and Eli are in 6th grade, 2nd grade, and PreK. Fun fact–Bryna’s paternal family lived in Kensington, and her father and uncle attended Bialik (the former day school at the synagogue) and had their bar-mitzvahs at FJC! We are hoping to continue that tradition by having our three sons study and reach that milestone here. When we aren’t working or schooling we enjoy taking long walks with our new dog Willow, eating and being picky about what we eat, and getting too much screen time.
Rachel and Mike moved to the neighborhood in the summer of 2018. They spent Rosh Hashana at FJC and were wowed by the warm, welcoming atmosphere. Their daughter Sylvia also had a great time, both at the kids’ program and sitting at the edge of the bima. They’ve been enthusiastic members ever since. They celebrated Benji’s birth at FJC, and they’re regular tot shabbat leaders and participants. Sylvia starting pre-K in September, and she’s excited to be part of the inaugural Hebrew School class this year and to learn with old and new friends. They hope you’ll join them in building the FJC community, and if you’re considering it, they’d be happy to tell you more about what they love.
Ben, originally from Philadelphia — Go Sixers! — and Imelda from Mexico — ¡Viva Mexico! — along with their 16-month-old New York-native son Gabriel are thrilled to become members of FJC. The three of them enjoy spending time in the park, taking long walks through Brooklyn, and traveling to and exploring new cities. They also love trying and cooking new and delicious foods and wines (well in Gabe’s case, milk). Ben works in media technology and Imelda is a social worker. Gabriel goes to daycare and loves spinning around in circles.
Flatbush Jewish Center 