High Holiday Love and Support
In these Days of Awe (the time between Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement), I want to take a moment to acknowledge the reverberating impact of the events of October 7th and this week’s community commemorations.
We understand that this time can bring a mix of emotions — many of which you may not wish to share with your younger children — and we want you to know that we are here to support you and your family. If you do want resources on talking to your children, check out these suggestions from PJ Library. You can also read through this message for how to use the PJ book, Tikvah Means Hope, to guide conversations. Our community has always been a source of strength and connection, and, together, we can navigate these challenging times.
In the spirit of resilience and passing on traditions, we are excited to share some wonderful programming and resources for marking the fall holidays. These activities are designed to engage, inspire, and bring joy to our families. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store.
We hope these connection opportunities will not only provide joy but also reinforce the sense of community that is so vital during challenging times. As always, I encourage you to reach out if you have any questions or need support. PJ Library, Federation, and our partners are here for you and your children.
G’Mar Chatima Tova (a good final sealing),
Sarah
Additional Resources
- There are many factors that go in to what and how you share news about the Israel-Hamas War and antisemitism with your children. If they are asking questions or hearing things outside your home, these resources from PJ Library can help you find answers based on the age and understanding of your child.
- Tikvah Means Hope by Patricia Polacco is a powerful Sukkot story with a very cute cat and unfortunate relevance for families experiencing natural disasters. PJ Library’s new family discussion guide offers ways to use this picture book as a gentle prompt for meaningful family conversation around supporting — and being supported by — your community.