Family Fun Roundup

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Federation’s Family Fun Roundup

This series highlights timely and fun ideas for your family.

You can always keep up with the latest PJ Library co-sponsored programs on the Jconnect calendar or Facebook.

Family Fun Roundup #43: Celebrating Purim and Getting Ready for Passover (March 2024)

Happy spring and an early Chag Purim Sameach (Happy Purim Holiday)!

Purim is a joyous holiday celebrating the bravery of Queen Esther and the triumph over the evil Haman. It is celebrated by hearing the megillah (the Book of Esther, which tells the story of Purim), dressing up, sharing gifts of food with friends (mishloach manot), giving to those in need (matanot l’evyonim), and having a festive meal (seudah). A common treat is hamantaschen, triangular cookies with a filling. Purim is also a wonderful opportunity to celebrate across generations — to make your celebration multigenerational, check out our tips for celebrating Purim with grandparents.

Celebrate Purim with Your Jewish Community: You can join a community celebration to hear a kid-friendly Purim shpiel (humorous version of the Purim story), celebrate a Purim Shabbat, and more.

The Purim Story for Kids: The Purim story has some pretty adult plot points and themes; try these all-ages adaptations of the story so kids can understand and enjoy it too. Some of our favorite PJ books about Purim include The Better-Than-Best Purim, Cakes and Miracles, Meet the Hamantaschen, Queen Vashti’s Comfy Pants, and The Story of Queen Esther.

Doing Good While Having Fun: Hearing the megillah (the scroll read on Purim) is just one of four mitzvot for the holiday. Learn how we care for each other with matanot l’evyonim, mishloach manot, and other traditions. Inspired to keep doing good? Check out all the Good Deeds Week opportunities in our community from April 7-14!

Take PJ’s Podcasts on Your Spring Break Road Trip: Listen at home or on the go with two new magical podcasts, available everywhere you get podcasts. Beyond the Bookcase brings familiar fairy tales to life when Miri and Micah visit the wonderful land of Mashal. Afternoons with Mimi features everyone’s favorite grandmother, Mimi, who reads books, folktales, and original stories that will capture the imaginations of young and old alike.

Get Ready for Passover: Ready or not, Passover is coming! Don’t stress about the holiday: check out the PJ Library Passover Holiday Hub to start your preparations and learn more about this holiday celebrating spring and the Exodus from Egypt. Get your holiday celebrations started by joining a community event!

Purim begins on Saturday, March 23^rd at sundown. Passover begins on Monday, April 22^nd at sundown.

IN CASE YOU NEED IT

As part of Federation and PJ Library’s role to support Jewish families, we are sharing services and opportunities that may be of interest to you or someone you know.

JCADA, provides free and confidential counseling, legal, and victim advocacy services to survivors of intimate partner violence in the Greater Washington Area. JCADA helps everyone regardless of faith, race, gender, ability, etc. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to 877-88-JCADA, [email protected], or learn more at jcada.org.

Please utilize or share this information as needed in the spirit of the Jewish value of chesed (loving-kindness).

Family Fun Roundup #42: Share the Love (February 2024)

February is a great time to share the love of PJ Library, family, and the world!

Share the Love of PJ Library: PJ Library is turning 18 this year, and we have one simple wish: give more families the gift of amazing Jewish books and programs. Help us share the love of PJ Library by participating in PJ Library’s Refer-a-Friend program. (As a subscriber, you have received your own referral link via email.) Share it with friends, neighbors, and the rest of your circle. When they sign up for free Jewish children’s books, you’ll earn Amazon gift cards and entries to win an iPad Pro or a pair of AirPods Max!

Share the Love of Creativity: There are two upcoming opportunities to get crafty with other PJ families. Join your local JFamily Ambassador for a campfire and crafting adventure in Arlington on Sunday, February 25^th or create Israeli-inspired art in Rockville in a new class each Sunday, February 25^th – April 7^th.

Share the Love of a Shared Language: Have you met Marina, our new JFamily Ambassador for Russian-speaking Jewish (RSJ) families? She creates opportunities for RSJ families to connect with each other every month. Get to know Marina and meet other RSJ families at Love Pow – A Pet Loving RSJ Program at the Pozez JCC on Sunday, February 25^th.

Share the Love of Dressing Up: Purim isn’t until Saturday, March 23^rd this year, so you have time to start working on your costume now. Get into the spirit of the holiday with the PJ Library Purim Holiday Hub for kid-friendly versions of the story, holiday information, book ideas, recipes, and more.

IN CASE YOU NEED IT

As part of Federation and PJ Library’s role to support Jewish families, we are sharing links to services and opportunities that are available should you need them or that you can share with someone who does.

This month, we are highlighting imadi, which supports families living in Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia who have a child diagnosed with a chronic illness or a genetic condition.

Through concierge case management, patient advocacy, and therapeutic programming, imadi provides a customized client experience to families facing complex pediatric health diagnoses at no cost to the families. Learn More.

Please utilize or share this information as needed in the spirit of the Jewish value of bikur cholim (bringing comfort to the sick).

Family Fun Roundup #41: January Joy (January 2024)

January is a time for new beginnings and new experiences, from a loving Shabbat to a green birthday celebration. Read on for all the ideas.

Shabbat, in the Name of Love: Tomorrow night will be the largest communal celebration of Shabbat in North America. #ShabbatofLove was created to embrace the Jewish people, spreading love for who we are. Mark the occasion by adding something — or someone — special to your Shabbat table. Need tips? Check out the Shabbat Dinner Guide from OneTable. For the next few weekends, families in Northern Virginia can participate in Shabbat Connections to receive a $100 gift card from the Pozez JCC by hosting others for Shabbat.

Do You Want to Build a Snowman? We have finally broken our streak of 700+ days with less than an inch of snow, so continue the celebration by building a snowman inside your home! Try snowman pancakes, snowman pizzas, or even marshmallow snowmen. Stay warm with my not-so-secret recipe for hot cocoa, which is to melt semi-sweet chocolate chips in milk on the stove; the ratio is up to your family’s tastes.

I See Trees of Green: While we aren’t seeing spring green on the (non-evergreen) trees in Greater Washington yet, in Israel, things are starting to bloom. Tu B’Shevat (literally, the “15^th of the month of Shevat,” and commonly known as “the birthday of the trees”) will fall on Wednesday, January 24^th at sundown this year. Learn about this eco-minded holiday and plan a seder (ritual meal) to celebrate all the delicious things that grow on trees!

Speaking with Trees: Want to celebrate Tu B’Shevat with other families? Check out these opportunities!

- Sunday, January 21^stat 2:00 PM: Experiencing the Jewish Year: This Land is My Land at the Edlavitch DCJCC (DC)
- Saturday, January 27^th at 10:00 AM: Tu B’Shevat Tot Shabbat & Mini-Seder at Hill Havurah (DC)
- Sunday, January 28^th at 10:30 AM: Tu B’Shevat Park Cleanup on Kingman and Heritage Islands (DC)
- Sunday, January 28^th at 11:00 AM: Tu B’Shevat in the Park in Manassas (VA)

Listen to the Music: At this month’s family-friendly Klezmer Brunch, clarinetist Seth Kibel, pianist Sean Lane, and singer-songwriter (and PJ Parent!) Nick May will play a lively set of klezmer and Jewish-influenced jazz and other musical genres. Bring the little ones to dance with the band at the EDCJCC on Sunday, January 28^th at 10:30 AM; children under 7 attend free of charge.

We’ll Be Counting Stars: Help us wrap-up PAJAMUARY with a star on Saturday, February 3^rd at 4:00 PM! We are so excited to collect pajamas for those who need them and to celebrate Havdalah, a beautiful way to end Shabbat and start the new week as a family. Join us at the Pozez JCC in Fairfax for a Havdalah planetarium adventure, check out the stars, smell the spices, and experience Havdalah wonder with us.

B’Shalom (with peace),
Sarah

IN CASE YOU NEED IT

As you consider the next step on your family’s Jewish journey, we encourage you to check out our guides for local Jewish preschools, day schools, and summer camps. There are amazing places that will be welcoming to your family, and many are enrolling new families now. Check them out here and share them in the spirit of the Jewish value of kehillah (community).

Discover Jewish Preschools

Discover Jewish Summer Camps (includes information about camp scholarships)

Discover Jewish Day Schools

Family Fun Roundup #40: Snow Much Fun (December 2023)

We have loved celebrating the Festival of Lights with you this past week and hope that the glow from your chanukiyah (the nine-branched menorah lit for Chanukah), and the faith, hope and resilience that the light represents, stays with you for the year ahead. Here are some ideas to make that easy.

Extending the Festival of Lights: Technically, Chanukah lasts only eight days but, as local PJ Library author Erica Perl tells us, there’s no harm in celebrating a Ninth Night of Chanukah. Continue the celebrations by bringing your family to Menorahs and Milkshakes at the Crazy Mason in Alexandria on Sunday. Plan an outing to see how de-light-ful our area can be this time of year. You can use these 3D glasses to magically turn all holiday lights into Jewish lights; I also have limited quantities available — email me to request a pair! You can also “be the shamash (the helper candle)” by volunteering as a family.

Handling the December Dilemma: This time of year creates special challenges for interfaith families (including mine!). Here’s a guide for how to navigate Chanukah and Christmas from 18Doors, an organization for interfaith couples and families.

Planning a Play Date: There are great options for live theater with your children this month. For younger children, check out Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins at The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo Park. For older kids, Olney Theater Center’s production of Fiddler on the Roof is keeping up the tradition until December 31^st. And Jungle Discovery, a partnership of Imagination Stage and Port Discovery, is an engaging and immersive interactive experience for children ages 3–6 and their adults in a fantastical jungle world.

Chilling Out, Outdoor Edition: Looking to create or check off a “Winter Bucket List”? There are numerous outdoor and indoor ice skating rinks in our area. For outdoor sports or urban explorations of outdoor art, check out KidFriendlyDC’s winter guide. To warm up after your family adventures, check out this homemade hot chocolate mix.

Chilling Out, Indoor Edition: On Friday, December 29^th, get an early start on “Pajamuary” by joining Growing Jewish Families for Pajamuary Morning Movie Magic to see The Muppets. Bring a new pair of pajamas to donate, eat popcorn, and hang out with new friends at University Mall Theater in Fairfax, VA.

B’Shalom (with peace),
Sarah

IN CASE YOU NEED IT

As you consider the next step on your family’s Jewish journey, we encourage you to check out our guides for local Jewish preschools, day schools, and summer camps. There are amazing places that will be welcoming to your family. Check them out here and share them in the spirit of the Jewish value of kehillah (community).

Discover Jewish Preschools

Discover Jewish Summer Camps (includes information about camp scholarships)

Discover Jewish Day Schools

Family Fun Roundup #39: Gratitude to You (November 2023)

There are many things we are thankful for. In this time and during this season, we are thankful for you, our PJ Library and PJ Our Way families.

Enjoy the Fall Foliage: Take a hike and enjoy the beautiful colors outside using Beltway Bambinos’ guide to fall foliage in and around Washington, DC. You can also explore one of KidFriendlyDC’s 10 Great Places to Enjoy Autumn in the DC Area (that are not Farm Festivals). You could even consider mixing it up by “plogging” (picking up trash with gloves while you walk or jog) or taking a nighttime walk with a flashlight, glowsticks, or a homemade lantern.

Start a New Thanksgiving Tradition: In addition to parades, football, and all your favorite dishes, consider adding a new element to your Thanksgiving celebration. One idea would be to record what guests are grateful for in a book (that you can add to each year) or in a video. It would be amazing to look back on it in future years and to continue modeling the Jewish value of hakarat hatov (recognizing the good). For more ideas, check out PJ Library’s Gratitude page.

Stand With Israel: Our hearts and minds continue to be with Israel at this difficult time. Here are ways to keep Israel close:

- If you want to feel closer to Israel visually, check out PJ’s video library and meet Israeli families and children like yours.
- To celebrate and acknowledge Israeli culture with your families, check out the Israeli Dancing playlist on Spotify.
- For resources to help navigate difficult conversations with your children, bookmark the Israel Hub.
- Check your email for an offer from Harold Grinspoon to receive a free copy of Noa Tishby’s Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth (the spring PJ Parent book offering).
- Stay informed of Federation’s work to mobilize our community’s support for Israel by visiting our Israel Crisis Relief Fund page.

Mark Your Calendar for One (or More!) of These Chanukah Events: The Festival of Lights will start on Thursday, December 7^th at sundown, and we have events that last even longer than the eight nights of the holiday. Get a preview of the parties, mitzvah (good deed) projects, story times, and more on our Events page.

Get Ideas for Sharing Chanukah with Your Child’s Classmates: If you’re the “Chanukah Parent” for your child’s classroom and need ideas for how to teach about the holiday, check out these resources. You can also reach out to me if you need books to share!

B’Shalom (with peace),
Sarah

IN CASE YOU NEED IT

We are sharing resources that may be useful to you or someone you know. Please forward this as needed in the spirit of kehillah (community).

703-J-CARING: The Jewish Community Support Line
For those in need of mental or emotional support, Federation, JSSA, and our network of human service organizations are here for you. Call (703) J-CARING (703-522-7464) to connect with a professional ready to assist you. Serving residents of DC, MD, and Northern VA, support is available Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. All calls are confidential.

Family Fun Roundup #38: Resilience in a Difficult Time (October 2023)

The recent events in Israel have left us reeling from shock, anger, heartbreak, and fear. In times like these, coming together with our community, locally and worldwide, is a source of strength and comfort. In the darkest of times, it’s important for children (and adults) to experience hope and joy. To help families do that, we are focusing this month’s Family Fun Roundup on resilience, acts of loving-kindness, and ways to take pride in being Jewish.

RESOURCES

703-J-CARING: The Jewish Community Support Line
For those in need of mental or emotional support, Federation, JSSA, and our network of human service organizations are here for you. Call (703) J-CARING (703-522-7464) to connect with a professional ready to assist residents of DC, MD, and Northern VA, Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. All calls are confidential.

How to Talk to Children About Israel Today
The Jewish Education Project’s Dr. Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath and noted expert, Dr. Sivan Zakai, share resources and best practices for talking to children about Israel and the current situation.

STAND WITH ISRAEL

Federation is working to provide real-time humanitarian assistance to Israel as well as mobilizing the Greater Washington community to support these efforts. Please consider donating to Federation’s Israel Crisis Relief Fund. 100% of your donation will be swiftly deployed where it’s needed most.

WAYS TO DO JEWISH TOGETHER

PJ Library’s Israel Hub

PJ Library and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation are proud to share stories with families around the globe that celebrate Israel and promote a sense of responsibility to the country and its people. Use these resources to navigate conversations about events in Israel with your children or grandchildren.

Your Child Can Send Letters and Drawings of Support

For kids who are feeling a need to help, there are organizations that are encouraging letters and drawings of support for Israeli soldiers, citizens, and children. They can be submitted online using one of these options:

Friday Mornings Together
Friday, October 20^th | 8:30 AM
Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School
(1901 East Jefferson Street, Rockville)
Friday Mornings Together creates a welcoming, warm space for parents/guardians of young children to celebrate, commiserate, and share wisdom.

Fall Festival
Sunday, October 22^nd | 10:00 AM
Washington Hebrew Congregation (11810 Falls Road, Potomac)
Featuring a performance by musical duo Bridgette and Dawn, join us for a morning of outdoor games, crafts, snacks, and more!

Picnic in the Park
Monday, October 30^th | 4:30 PM
Fairfax Station, VA (address provided upon registration)
Let’s celebrate fall, make new memories, and enjoy the spirit of togetherness at a beautiful evening outdoors with the Pozez JCC’s JFamily Ambassadors.

Everything But the Turkey
Sunday and Monday, November 19^th and 20^th
Edlavitch DCJCC (1529 16^th Street NW, Washington)
Everything But The Turkey (EBTT) brings together hundreds of volunteers to chop, mix, grate, and prepare thousands of servings of festive Thanksgiving dishes for people experiencing food insecurity and homelessness in the DC area, in partnership with DC Central Kitchen. Families with kids 3-8 years old can join us Sunday morning for a special PJ Library edition of EBTT. Families with kids older than 8 can sign up for the Sunday or Monday evening options.

B’Shalom (with peace),
Sarah

Family Fun Roundup #37: Awesome Ideas for Yom Kippur and Sukkot (September 2023)

We are in the Days of Awe (Yomim Noraim), the 10 days between the start of Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). To help you deepen your High Holiday celebrations, we are offering some awesome ways for your family to observe Yom Kippur. We are also previewing the next holiday in the Jewish calendar: Sukkot (the festival of booths).

1. Find a Family-Friendly Yom Kippur Experience: From apples in the campfire to family services, our PJ Library Community Partners have many meaningful, age-appropriate opportunities to celebrate the Day of Atonement. Check them out on our Jconnect High Holidays page.
2. Prepare Your Family for Yom Kippur: The PJ Library Fall Holidays Guide has all the background and tips you need to prepare for a meaningful Yom Kippur experience.
3. Celebrate Sukkot (the Festival of Booths) With Your Community: Coming just five days after Yom Kippur is a weeklong festival called Sukkot! You’ll know it’s coming if you watch the moon — when it’s full, Sukkot begins. To celebrate, you can hop to a sukkah (a temporary hut built outdoors for the holiday) in our community, including the TWO on the National Mall! Find out more on our Sukkot events page.
4. Make These for Your Sukkot Celebration at Home: Sukkot celebrates the fall harvest, so you can incorporate that element into a home celebration with this pumpkin-cranberry spice challah, autumn harvest punch, or any of these recipes from Tori Avey. Your kids can get in on the sukkah decorating fun with these ideas for your own or to bring to one you’re visiting!

Wishing you G’mar Chatimah Tovah (“may you be sealed well in the Book of Life,” a greeting shared at Yom Kippur),
Sarah

5784 Holiday Dates
All holidays begin at sundown on these dates.

Yom Kippur Sunday, September 24^th

Sukkot Friday, September 29^th

Shemini Atzeret Friday, October 6^th

Simchat Torah, Saturday, October 7^th

The “Days of Awe” begin with Rosh Hashanah (“head of the year”) and culminate with Yom Kippur (“day of atonement”) ten days later. The celebrations continue with Sukkot (“feast of booths”), Shemini Atzeret (“Seventh Day of Assembly,” featuring prayers for rain in Israel), and Simchat Torah (“rejoicing in the Torah”).

Family Fun Roundup #36: A Month of Reflection and Preparation (August 2023)

Today is the first day of the Hebrew month of Elul. It’s the month of reflection before the High Holidays (which start with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, on Friday, September 15^th). Between the Jewish holidays and the start of school, it’s a time for preparations and optimism about the future. We’re here to help with ways to make it easier and less frenetic, clearing the path for a fresh start in the new year. Read on for more!

1. Pick Apples for Rosh Hashanah with Us!—Sunday, September 10^th | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Head to the apple orchard to celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Grandparents Day! We’ll pick apples, have professional family photos taken, read stories, and do a mitzvah project (making cards for Jewish military service members). This event is being held in two locations; choose the one that’s best for your family.
2. Focus on Wellness with JSSA—Sunday, September 10^th | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: You are invited to JSSA’s Family Wellness Day, a fun-filled event aimed at providing children and their parents with interactive tools and resources to enhance their overall well-being. The event also features music, face painting, balloon artists, arts & crafts, booths, games, and snacks.
3. Reflect During Elul: There are special ways to prepare for the High Holy Days as a family, and MyJewishLearning.com has practical tips for a meaningful experience. During the month leading up to the High Holidays, try to take time to read one of these nine thoughtful books by incredible authors. For a quicker read, check out a local mom’s musings on Elul after her first High Holiday season as a new mom.
4. Do a Mitzvah by Sending a Card: If you’d like to participate in this year’s Military Mitzvah High Holiday Card Project to send holiday greetings to Jewish military and veterans, please sign up to get the details and mail your cards by August 30^th or September 7^th.
5. Prepare for the New Year: PJ Library’s Guide to the Fall Holidays is now available online and for purchase. You can explore the many holidays that start next month, learning new ways to celebrate them with your children.

Wishing you a happy summer,
Sarah

PS There’s still time to share what PJ Library means to you! Submit your story, video, or photo testimonial about PJ Library’s impact on your family online before September 15^th!

In Case You Need It

703-J-CARING: The Jewish Community Support Line — Serving DC, MD, and Northern VA

Feeling overwhelmed? If you live in DC, MD, or Northern VA, call 703-J-CARING today. With one call to the Jewish Community Support Line, case managers will quickly and warmly connect you with the right resources for you.

Please utilize or share this information as needed in the spirit of the Jewish value of kehillah (community).

Family Fun Roundup #37: Love, Volunteering, and the Beach (July 2023)

The summer days may be hot, but you can keep cool with these ideas for your family. We hope you’ll join us and share pictures of your PJ Library-inspired summer fun!

1. Summer Volunteer Night—Tuesday, July 25^th | 6:00 PM: Spend your evening volunteering at the Edlavitch DCJCC! After a pizza dinner to connect with other families, each family will have the opportunity to create pencil packs for preschool children served by Community of Hope, make desserts for adults facing food insecurity, create toiletry kits for recently arrived migrant families, and make cards for seniors. Most appreciated by kids ages 5 and up.
2. PJ Library Loves the Beach: If your family is heading to the Delaware beaches soon, enjoy two PJ Library events in the area: Havdalah at the Beach at Cape Henlopen State Park on Saturday, July 29^th at 6:00 PM, and PJ Loves the Beach at the Federal Rehoboth on Sunday, July 30^th at 10:00 AM.
3. Celebrating Tu B’Av (the Jewish Holiday of Love): There are many ways to incorporate Tu B’Av, “the Jewish holiday of love,” into your family life. Here are 10 PJ Library books to read and ideas specifically for connecting with grandparents. If you’d like to make Tu B’Av cards for our local seniors, please reach out to me for details. The holiday starts at sundown on Tuesday, August 1^st.
4. Summer Bucket List: Beltway Bambinos has shared their Summer Bucket List, with lots of great ideas for your family. We also love this list of 21 Simple Summer Pleasures, or this list of fun summer ideas rooted in Jewish values. What would you add? A visit to the sunflower fields? Blackberry picking? A Sweet Summer Series outing? Let me know!
5. Share What PJ Library Means to You! Would you share a story, video, or photo to help us tell the story of PJ Library in Greater Washington? If so, here are some guiding questions to inspire you:

- - As PJ parents, what do you value most about your involvement with PJ Library? Why?
  - What are your family’s favorite PJ Library books?
  - What has been your child’s favorite PJ Library event and why?
  - What do you wish most people knew about PJ Library in Greater Washington

Wishing you a happy summer,
Sarah

In Case You Need It

Looking for a high-quality, loving preschool for your child? Enrolling your child in a Jewish early childhood program is an investment in their future. These programs provide values-based, developmentally-appropriate hands-on experiences that help children develop a sense of responsibility for caring for each other and helping to make the world a better place. There are many options across the Greater Washington area that provide high-quality secular education while also introducing children and their families to the joys of our Jewish heritage. Learn more on Federation’s Preschool Resource Page.

Everyone deserves care. Please utilize or share this information as needed in the spirit of the Jewish value of chinukh (education) and kehillah (community).

Family Fun Roundup #35: Summer and Celebrations (June 2023)

Congratulations to all the students, parents, and faculty for working hard and completing another year of school! Whether your summer break has started or you’re still in school a little longer, you can look forward to these great activities:

1. PJ Play Date: Nate the Great—Sunday, June 25^th at 1:00 PM: Join us for this lively show based on a beloved children’s book. It’s a Play Date at Imagination Stage with your friends from the Bender JCC, Edlavitch DCJCC, Pozez JCC, PJ Library, and Federation! Meet other PJ families when you pick up your special gift before the show. Purchase your tickets directly from iStage using our promo code (Book25) to get 25% off your tickets.
2. PJ Play Date and Picnic: Mister G—Thursday, June 29^th at 10:30 AM: Join your local JCCs and PJ Library for the Mister G show at Wolf Trap Theatre in the Woods! MISTER G and MISSUS G, beloved, award-winning, PJ Library artists, will perform a multicultural musical celebration of the natural world at this interactive and joyful concert. Buy your tickets from Wolf Trap, and look for PJ Library and Growing Jewish Families signs to meet up before the show. Bring a picnic and have a playdate with a special guest after the show.
3. Sweet Summer Series—Across Northern Virginia, now through August: Join Pozez JCC’s Growing Jewish Families, PJ Library and our partners for playtime and treats at playgrounds and ice cream shops all over NOVA! We’ll gather with other families to socialize and celebrate summer. Check the schedule for one near you!
4. Get Pinspired: Looking to fill long, sunny days (or those rainy ones that seem even longer)? Check out our ideas for backyard games, easy art projects, summer treats kids can make, and more!
5. Share Your PJ Library Story: As we mark 10 years of PJ Library in Greater Washington, we would love to learn how this program has impacted your family’s Jewish journey. Please complete our survey by July 6^th and help us better understand your family’s experience. And to show our appreciation for your time, you have the option to be entered for a chance to win a $50 Gifted.com gift card after completing the survey.

Happy summer,
Sarah

In Case You Need It

This month we are highlighting J-CARING. JSSA and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington are making it as easy as possible to access available support to help address your health, career, early childhood, financial, and emergency needs. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that all our neighbors can access the resources they need when they need them.

Call 703-J-CARING (703-522-7464) Monday – Friday, from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET to connect you to a trained J-Caring provider who will provide referrals and connections to community resources.

Everyone deserves care. Please utilize or share this information as needed in the spirit of the Jewish value of Tikkun HaNefesh (“healing of the soul”).

Family Fun Roundup #34: I Scream for Shavuot! (May 2023)

During Shavuot, which starts in a week, we celebrate both the receiving of the Torah (the law of God and the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) at Mount Sinai and the first fruits of the late spring harvest. There are many family-friendly traditions associated with this, and we’ve rounded up a selection of them so you can mark the holiday joyously and meaningfully.

1. Celebrate Communally: From picnics to ice cream, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Shavuot with other families and our PJ Community Partners. Check out the Shavuot events on Jconnect.
2. Celebrate Deliciously: One Shavuot tradition is eating dairy foods (not that you need an excuse, but here’s why we do!), and there are many easy, cheesy recipes you can make with your kids. Since Shavuot also celebrates the first fruits of the late spring season, you can take your family to a local pick-your-own farm to gather the fruits and enjoy them!
3. Celebrate Creatively: Legend has it that when Moses received the Torah, the barren hills of Mount Sinai burst into bloom. Celebrate Shavuot by picking flowers, making paper flowers, and making flower crowns. You can also share the Eastern European tradition of paper-cut decorations for Shavuot.
4. Celebrate Literarily: Staying up late to read Torah may not be an ideal option for younger kids, but you can share the story of Ruth, which is read on Shavuot, and schedule a “sleep-under” to stay up and read PJ Library books together.
5. Celebrate Generationally: To include grandparents and special friends in your holiday, consider these tips for celebrating Shavuot in person or long-distance.

Need more ideas?

- Get the inside scoop on this holiday on our Jconnect Shavuot page.
- Find more ideas on our Lag B’Omer and Shavuot Pinterest Board
- Watch videos and learn more on the PJ Library Shavuot Holiday Hub.

Shavuot starts Thursday, May 25^th at sundown.

Happy Celebrating,
Sarah

In Case You Need It

This month we are highlighting JCADA, which provides free and confidential counseling and legal and victim advocacy services to survivors of intimate partner violence in the Greater Washington Area. JCADA helps everyone regardless of faith, race, gender, ability, etc. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to 877-88-JCADA, [email protected], or learn more at jcada.org.

Please utilize or share this information as needed in the spirit of the Jewish value of chesed (loving-kindness).

Family Fun Roundup #33: Counting to 49, 75, and 4.5 Billion (April 2023)

The celebrations continue this month with Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day), counting the Omer (the 49 days between Passover and Shavuot, where we celebrate receiving the Torah), and Earth Day! Read on for ways to celebrate at home and with your community.

1. Celebrate Israel’s 75^th Birthday: It’s been 75 years since the founding of the State of Israel, so it’s time to celebrate! In the envelope with your April PJ Library book, you received a game to play as a family. Learn more about variations on this game, watch videos, and get more ideas on PJ’s Israel Hub. Find local events for Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day) on Federation’s Israel at 75 website. One great kid-friendly option is Exploration H20, which is all about Israel and water, on Sunday, April 30^th at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School!
2. Commemorate Earth Day: Earth Day falls on Saturday, April 22^nd this year, and you can use it as an opportunity to connect wi the Jewish values of tikkun olam (repairing the world), shomrei adama (partners in protecting the earth) and ba’al taschit (not wasting). Check out one of these PJ Library books to get the conversation started, and then make a plan to protect the Earth together!A special opportunity JUST for our PJ Our Way tweens: join a virtual celebration of Earth Day with PJ Library founder Harold Grinspoon! He’s a philanthropist, artist, and visionary, and he’ll be in conversation with our PJOW tweens and create some Earth Day-inspired art on Sunday, April 23^rd at 3:00 PM EST. Register in advance to get the Zoom link.
3. Count the Omer: Today (the night of April 21^st) is the 15^th Day of the Omer, which is the count of the 49 days between the second night of Passover and the start of Shavuot (“weeks”). Originally connected to the barley harvest and pilgrimages to Jerusalem to bring offerings from the harvest to the Temple, the counting of the Omer connects the two holidays to both build excitement and make the connection between the Exodus from Egypt and the receiving of the Torah and laws at Mount Sinai. You can count along with us on Instagram and at home by creating your own Omer counter. There’s even a mid-counting holiday called Lag B’Omer (the 33^rd Day of the Omer)!

Yom Ha’aztmaut is Tuesday, April 25^th, Lag B’Omer is on Monday, May 8^th, and Shavuot is Thursday, May 25^th. All holidays start at sundown on the dates listed.

Happy Celebrating,
Sarah

In Case You Need It

This month, we are highlighting the Jewish Fertility Foundation which recently opened a chapter in Greater Washington. The Jewish Fertility Foundation provides financial assistance, educational awareness, and emotional support to Jewish families in our community who have medical fertility challenges. They also have opportunities for veterans of infertility to be a “fertility buddy” and practice relationship-based support for those experiencing infertility. Learn More.

Please utilize or share this information as needed in the spirit of the Jewish value of chesed (loving-kindness).

Family Fun Roundup #32: Passover, Good Deeds Week, and Israel’s Birthday (March 2023)

Passover is coming up in a few weeks, but don’t panic! There’s a lot of preparation involved in this holiday, and we’ve got your back with ideas to get your family ready to celebrate the festival of freedom.

1. Bring Your Family to a Community Passover Event: From playground play dates to community seders, there’s something for everyone on our list of Passover celebrations.
2. Use the PJ Library Passover Haggadah: PJ Library’s gorgeous, family-friendly Haggadah (guide to the Passover seder) is designed to make the seder (ritual meal) experience engaging for everyone at the table, even those crawling around under it. Download it in multiple languages from PJ Library’s website.
3. Get More Passover Ideas: If you’re looking for books, games, lunch tips, or a pre-seder checklist, check out the PJ Library Passover Holiday Hub. Please share our PJ Grandparents Passover page with your child’s grandparents to introduce more ways to build inter-generational connections!
4. Celebrate Israel’s 75^th Birthday: We are celebrating the 75^th anniversary of Israel’s founding as a community! There are numerous events and ideas to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day), which falls on Tuesday, April 25^th (starting at sundown) this year.
5. Give Back During Good Deeds Week: Explore the many ways in which your family can do good and care for others, including helping refugee families build a new life, filling the shelves of local food pantries, cleaning up waterways and community gardens, gathering supplies for unhoused individuals, and more during The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s Sara & Samuel J. Lessans Good Deeds Week (March 26^th – April 2^nd).

Passover begins at sundown on Wednesday, April 5^th and ends at sundown on Thursday, April 13^th. Please continue reading to learn about a wonderful family organization, as part of our new segment to support families.

Chag Sameach (happy holiday),
Sarah

In Case You Need It

This month, we are highlighting imadi, which supports families living in Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia who have a child diagnosed with a chronic illness or a genetic condition.

Please utilize or share this information as needed in the spirit of the Jewish value of bikur cholim (bringing comfort to the sick).

Family Fun Roundup #31: Going Topsy-Turvy at Purim (February 2023)

Purim is a joyous holiday celebrating bravery, generosity, and showing different aspects of ourselves. Learn more and find great ideas to celebrate in this month’s roundup!

1. Bring Your Family to a Community Purim Event: Between now and March 7th, there are a wide variety of Purim celebrations in the community, from megillah readings to park playdates to carnivals to take-home activity kits. There’s so much to do with your Jewish community, and we hope you’ll join us! We can guarantee a fun time for all!
2. Learn the Story of Purim
  Listen to the PJ Library podcast version of the Purim story
  Share stories of brave women, past and present
  Read PJ Library books about Purim
  Find a PJ Our Way book about Purim
3. Share the Holiday with Grandparents: Did you know that we have tons of ideas just for grandparents to celebrate the Jewish holidays with your kids? No matter where they live, they can use these ideas to pass on a love of Judaism to the next generation. Check out the suggestions for Purim and share them with anyone who plays this role in your family’s life.
4. Give Mishloach Manot (gifts of food to friends and family): Sharing small gifts of ready-to-eat foods is a Purim tradition. If you’ve never done this before, just start with three families to whom you’d like to give mishloach manot. Get the family inspired to participate in this mitzvah this year with these ideas. You can make it easy by purchasing hamantaschen from Sunflower Bakery (my personal favorite) and support this worthy organization that provides job training for people with learning differences.
5. Find a New Costume Idea or Recipe: New to celebrating Purim or looking for something new this year? We’ve curated tons of ideas for clever costumes, hamantaschen, and games for Purim on our Pinterest board.
6. Family Mezuzah Programs: Bring your family for a creative program to bring the Jewish tradition of hanging a mezuzah (scroll with writings from the Torah in a case) to your home. Decorate one of the mezuzah cases to hang on a doorpost, and also take home one kosher scroll from MyZuzah for your family (valued at $90). Register your family for one at the Bender JCC in Rockville on February 26^th or at the Edlavitch DCJCC in DC on March 19^th.

As always, PJ Library’s Holiday Hubs are a great source of books, recipes, history, puzzles, and more. Purim begins at sundown on Monday, March 6^th and ends at sundown on Tuesday, March 7^th.

Chag Purim Sameach (happy holiday),
Sarah

Family Fun Roundup #30: Celebrating the Birthday of the Trees (January 2023)

January is a time for introspection, but it’s not a time for hibernation. There’s so much to do with your Jewish community, and we hope you’ll join us!

1. 1. Jam Out in PJs for Pajamuary: All month long, we are collecting new pajamas to donate to local organizations. You can drop them off at Agudas Achim (Alexandria), the Bender JCC (Rockville), Gesher Jewish Day School (Fairfax), or Pozez JCC (Fairfax), or you can purchase pajamas off the Comfort Cases wishlist. You can also bring pajamas to any Growing Jewish Families event, such as Mighty Mitzvah Makers: Pajamuary on Sunday, January 22^nd at Arlington Central Library or the Drew Blue Shoes concert on Sunday, January 29^th at the Pozez JCC.
  2. Get Ready for Tu B’Shevat: There are as many ways to celebrate the “birthday of the trees” with your children as there are types of trees. You can introduce a new tree-grown fruit to try, plant seeds indoors that can be transplanted outside when it’s warm, grow parsley for Passover, or discuss an eco-friendly habit your family can start doing. Get all the tips for these, plus a Tu B’Shevat seder (ritual meal), on PJ Library’s Holiday Hub. The holiday begins at sundown on Sunday, February 5^th.
  3. Start Celebrating Israel’s 75^th Birthday Now: From now through June, Federation’s extended Israel at 75 community celebration will highlight a variety of Israel-focused opportunities (in person and virtual) to connect community members of all ages and backgrounds. Learn more about the opportunities to learn, engage, and celebrate Israel’s milestone 75^th year of independence!
  4. Learn About Your Summer Camp Options: Interested in local camps and ways to get involved in our local community? Check out the Camp and Chesed (Kindness) Fair at Gesher Jewish Day School on Sunday, January 22^ndat 1:00 PM. There will also be a free Krav Maga workshop and costume swap.
  5. Check Out These Resources for Discussing Antisemitism with your Children: With the increase of incidents in our area and around the world, your kids may be becoming more aware of antisemitism. Here are resources to help you in those conversations. For your own education, please join Federation and the Shalom Hartman Institute for a Community Webinar on Antisemitism on Tuesday, January 24^th at 7:00 PM.

Stay cozy, and see you soon!
Sarah

Family Fun Roundup #29: Illuminating the Festival of Lights (December 2022)

Celebrating Chanukah is an opportunity to show our pride in being Jewish, even when it feels harder to do so publicly. The best way to do that is to add light to the world, in spirit and in action.

We add one candle each of the eight nights of Chanukah to increase our joy in this holiday. In many homes, the menorah is displayed in a window for all to see and take joy in the lessons of bravery and miracles. It’s a powerful message to send out to the world. Other ways we can add light include inviting others to share the holiday, donating to worthy causes, and modeling how to be a mensch (a person of integrity). To help light up your holiday, we have community events, resources, and ideas.

1. Family-Friendly Celebrations: From Shabbat to community candle-lightings to milkshake meetups, our PJ Community Partners have collaborated on creative ways to celebrate throughout the DMV. Check out the list, and see you there!
2. Sharing Chanukah at School: Are you the designated class “Chanukah Parent”? Do you need ideas for sharing this holiday with your child’s classmates? Look no further than this handy guide, broken down by age range, with books, activities, and lessons to share our holiday with all kids.
3. When Chanukah and Christmas Overlap: Think of the “December Dilemma” as the “December Opportunity” with these practical tips navigating holiday celebrations when there are multiple faiths in a household. (Note: you can also reach out directly to Sarah Rabin Spira, who grew up in an interfaith home, to talk ideas through!) And 18Doors has a guide for interfaith families addressing all aspects of the December holidays.
4. PJ Library’s Chanukah Hub: The holiday hub features some special guests — the characters from Who Stole Hanukkah?! mystery book and puzzle PJ kids ages 3–8 received this month. Check it out for the history of the holiday. You’ll also find how-to guides for lighting the candles, playing dreidel, and making latkes; downloadable activities, and more.

Chanukah begins on December 18^th at sundown and ends on Monday, December 26^th at sundown.

Chag Urim Sameach (Happy Festival of Lights),
Sarah

**Family Fun Roundup #28: Sigd, Thanksgiving, and Chanukah Preview (November 2022)**

With the crisp autumn air blowing away the last of the fall colors and the sun setting ever earlier, we turn our attention to spreading more beauty and light this season. Read on for easy, meaningful ideas for your family!

1. Celebrate Sigd: A Jewish holiday that originated in the Beta Israel community of Ethiopia, Sigd (prostration) is now a national holiday in Israel. Learn more about this beautiful celebration, which begins at sundown on Tuesday, November 22^nd, by checking out the books, recipes, and background on the PJ Library Sigd Holiday Hub.
2. Modeling gratitude on Thanksgiving: Teaching children to practice hakarat hatov (recognizing the good) is made easier when you use books to start the conversation. You can use these eight ideas to teach kids about gratitude — such as starting a gratitude wall, donating items, or creating a family gratitude book — and incorporate them into your Thanksgiving celebrations! Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 24^th.
3. Involving your kids in Thanksgiving cooking: One of the best ways to get kids to try new foods is to have them help make them. Try one of these holiday recipes for side dishes or desserts that your kids can make with some help from a grownup.
4. Shining a light on tzedakah:This year, start a conversation with your children about giving tzedakah (righteous giving) to causes they care about. The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, which combats food insecurity, supports Jewish education, provides PJ Library and PJ Our Way books to families, keeps our community secure, and works to build vibrant Jewish life locally, is one of the organizations participating in Giving Tuesday, which takes place the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. You can even donate early to Giving Tuesday.
5. Sneaking a peek at our Chanukah events line-up: Chanukah doesn’t start until December 18^th, but we are planning celebrations all throughout December with our partners! Get a preview of the parties, mitzvah (good deed) projects, story times, and more on our Events page.

In gratitude,
Sarah

**Family Fun Roundup #27: Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah (October 2022)**

Chag Sameach (happy holiday)! We are in the middle of Sukkot (Khol HaMoed Sukkot, which literally means “the intermediate festival days”), and I hope you and your family have had an opportunity to enjoy this harvest holiday. It goes through this weekend, so you have plenty of time to celebrate and also to prepare for our next two holidays: Shemini Atzeret (Eighth Day of Assembly) and Simchat Torah (Rejoicing in the Torah). Learn more below!

1. Party With Your Family and Your Jewish Community: Join a kid-friendly holiday celebration near you to celebrate these holidays with other families.
2. Celebrate the Harvest: Sukkot is a harvest festival where, in ancient times, Jews would bring the first fruits of the autumn harvest to the Temple in Jerusalem. In modern times, you can honor the fruits of the season at one these fall festivals or by visiting a local pumpkin patch to pick your own.
3. Learn About Shemini Atzeret: Shemini Atzeret comes at the start of the rainy season and is about praying for the rain required for things to grow in Israel. You can learn more in the PJ Library books, Maya Prays for Rain and Rainy Day Story, and you can find ideas on the Shemini Atzeret Holiday Hub. Since many communities are feeling the effects of too much rain after Hurricane Ian, consider how to contrast the need for rain in some areas and the need to help others after the storm. To help communities affected by Hurricane Ian, please visit shalomdc.org.
4. Rejoice on Simchat Torah: Simchat Torah is a joyous holiday where we finish the annual reading of the Torah (the five books of the Hebrew Bible) and begin it anew. This happy holiday is a great opportunity to convey joy in being Jewish. Try one or more of these seven fun things to do with kids on Simchat Torah.

Don’t forget that PJ Library’s family guide to the fall holidays includes ALL of these holidays. You can access it online in multiple languages! If you’d like more ideas, please be in touch—we are here to help you have a joyous and meaningful holiday season.

Moadim L’simcha (may your times be happy),
Sarah

Family Fun Roundup #26: Making your High Holidays sweeter (September 2022)

Rosh Hashanah (“the head of the year”) is one of the sweetest holidays. Celebrating the “birthday of the world,” this Jewish New Year’s celebration includes many traditions that demonstrate both how we look back on the previous year and move forward into the new one. Starting on Sunday, September 25^that sundown, it will be the year 5783 on the Jewish calendar.

1. Celebrate With Your Family and Your Jewish Community: Find a kid-friendly celebration or religious service for your family to celebrate before and during the holidays. A Time to Grow: A PJ Library
2. Family Guide to the Fall Holidays: This beautifully updated PJ Library guide explores ways for your family to celebrate the Jewish fall holidays at home. The online guide includes printables, audio files, and special sections for each holiday. Full downloads are also available in Portuguese or Spanish.
3. Read to Get Ready: In addition to the family guide, you may wish to use PJ Library books to introduce the holiday tradition and its deeper concepts. Personal favorites include Today Is the Birthday of the World; Jackie and Jessie and Joni and Jae; Tashlich at Turtle Rock; Jonah; and Are We Still Friends?
4. Holiday Ideas: Find ideas for crafts, rituals, books, music, and more to celebrate Rosh Hashanah. You can also check out the PJ Library Quick Guide to Celebrating Rosh Hashanah With Kids for videos, recipes, and activities for kids and tweens.

Family Fun Roundup #25: Turning the page on a new year (August 2022)

These “dog days of summer” seem to be split between squeezing in the last bits of summer fun and preparing for a new school year. It’s also a time to start preparing for the Jewish New Year, and we have ideas for all of it!

1. Back-to-School Rituals: When shopping for school supplies, consider having your child pick out some items to donate, explaining that doing so ensures every child a chance at a strong start to the school year. Within your family, you can incorporate one of these 25 back-to-school traditions (we love the “Study Buddy,” interview, and lunchbox love notes in particular!). For more ideas on prepping for the new year, including organizing and lunch tips, check out PJ Library’s Back to School Guide. One more idea to add: start your relationship with your child’s new teachers on the right foot by sharing a note of thanks.
2. Reading to Get Ready: Books can be an easy conversation opener to help your child articulate their feelings about going back to school. You can find book suggestions to get them excited and work through any nervousness about starting a new grade or going to a new school. Here are more top-notch suggestions for building their emotional intelligence in a school context.
3. Reflecting on the Month of Elul: The Hebrew month of Elul begins next Friday, August 26^th. As it’s the month leading up to the Jewish High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, it’s often spent in preparation and reflection. From hearing the shofar (ritual ram’s horn) to practicing forgiveness, there’s much you can do as a family to get ready for the Jewish New Year (which starts Sunday, September 25^th at sundown). If you want to get a start on High Holiday prep, check out the PJ Library Guide to the Fall Holidays.
4. Jewish Community Day at Nationals Park: Before summer ends, join the Jewish community at Nationals Park on Sunday, August 28^th for a day of celebration, pride, and baseball! Buy your tickets through this special link for a chance to be on the field for the Presidents’ Race, receive our special Nationals-themed hat, and support Federation’s work in our community.

Mazel tov (congratulations) to PJ Library for sending out 50 million Jewish children’s books — and counting — and sharing more than 1,100 stories that reflect Jewish experiences from many perspectives, to families around the world! The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is proud to be a part of this worldwide phenomenon and to bring PJ Library to the Jewish community in Greater Washington.

You can always keep up with the latest PJ Library co-sponsored programs on the Jconnect calendar or Facebook.

Family Fun Roundup #24: Cool off with these hot ideas! (July 2022)

Wouldn’t “July” some great ideas for summer fun? So would we! Read on for ideas to play, spin, sing, and braid the month away.

1. PJ Play Date: Mr. Popper’s Penguins: Join other PJ and PJ Our Way families on Sunday, July 31^st for a matinee of this delightful Imagination Stage show! With these specially-priced tickets for our families and an adorable gift for the kids, you’ll be the coolest parents around!
2. Holla for Challah: If you want to try your hand at making challah at home, here are some easy recipes (including an egg-free/vegan option) from PJ Library. Molly Yeh’s recipe includes the game-changing tip to roll out the dough in a rectangle and cut the slices to be braided rather than rolling out individual logs or snakes! While the dough is rising or baking, make one of these inspired challah covers or try out a “Silly Challah Recipe” Mad Libs-style activity.
3. Celebrate Chanukah in July: These summer corn and zucchini latkes from The Nosher use the freshest summer produce, and they’re inspiring us to celebrate Chanukah in July! Enjoy latkes, read your PJ Library Chanukah books, play dreidel, and more!
4. Enjoy an Outdoor Concert: Washington Parent has rounded up an impressive list of outdoor concerts all around our area, many of which are free! Expose your children to new music in an outdoor setting (where it won’t matter if they don’t wish to stay seated).
5. Do a Mitzvah (good deed) Project for Kids to Help Kids: The Edlavitch DCJCC and Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia are collecting new school supplies to share with students for the upcoming school year. The Bender JCC is collecting formula and baby wipes to support DC Diaper Bank. Learn more about each option on the JCCs’ websites.

Family Fun Roundup #23: Summertime, and the livin’ is easy (June 2022)

We’re singing out loud because school’s out for summer, or it’s about to be! We have rounded up some great ideas for you to celebrate the season as a family:

1. But oh…oh those summer nights: See a feature film under the stars at one of these outdoor movies on the grass or at a drive-in.
2. A duck walked up to a lemonade stand: Whether you make it from fresh lemons or a bottle, pink lemonade sheet cake screams summer.
3. And I know it’s gonna be / A lovely day: Juneteenth is this weekend, commemorating the end of slavery in America and the newest Federal holiday (observed on Monday). Learn about the history of this holiday and modern ways to celebrate with your family, including local events, red soda water, freedom songs, and book ideas. You can join Washington Hebrew Congregation on Friday for a Juneteenth Shabbat, too.
4. Summer, summer, summertime / Time to kick back and unwind: The Washington Nationals are the “Team that Reads” and want you to be part of the lineup! Join them for Summer Reading Sundays with story times led by Nats players, and sign your kids up for the Summer Reading program to have them earn baseball tickets while crossing off their summer reading lists. Need more encouragement? Here are six summer reading tips from PJ Library!
5. While we devotin’ / Full time to floatin’: Keep your cool at one of these eight water park options in Virginia and Maryland. In DC, use this interactive map to find a local splash pad to cool off!
6. I wanna soak up the sun: If your child is heading to sleepaway camp for the first time this summer, take a lesson from veteran parents and camp counselors on the eight must-pack camp items. Get ready for a summer at camp with these 10 PJ Library books about camp or this Mad Libs-style “Silly Summer Camp Packing List.”
7. Gonna be a pie from heaven above / Gonna be filled with strawberry love: Strawberries, cherries, peaches, and blackberries are in season or will be soon! You can pick fruit, vegetables, and even flowers at one of these local farms and then make pie, cobblers, or shakes, or just eat them as-is!

You can always keep up with the latest PJ Library co-sponsored programs on the Jconnect calendar or Facebook.

**Family Fun Roundup #22: Celebrate Lag B’Omer and Shavuot! (May 2022)**

As we move from Passover — when we remembered a time of slavery — toward Shavuot — when we celebrate liberation and autonomy, Jews mark the 49 days, or seven weeks, between the two holidays in a ritual of counting the Omer. (Shavuot means “weeks,” and the Omer refers to a sheaf of barley brought to the Temple as an offering.) On Shavuot, which starts on Saturday, June 4^th at sundown, we celebrate both the receiving of the Torah (the law of God and the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) at Mount Sinai and the first fruits of the late spring harvest.

On Wednesday at sundown, we will celebrate Lag B’Omer, the 33rd day of the Omer, a pause in the middle of counting the Omer that can be celebrated with bonfires, archery, hikes, and even getting a haircut.

We have rounded up some great ideas for you to share these holidays as a family:

1. Celebrate Together: From ice cream socials to bonfires to sleepovers, you can celebrate as a family or at one of these fun community events!
2. Cook Together: On Lag B’Omer, cook your meal over a campfire; try hot dogs, roasted potatoes (wrapped in foil and tucked into the coals), or s’mores! It’s traditional to enjoy dairy foods on Shavuot (find out why), so why not make cheesecake, butter, or ice cream? Find a recipe and get inspired by this video of a three-year-old making cheesecake by himself!
3. Read Together: Staying up all night to study Torah (Tikkun Leil Shavuot) — particularly the Book of Ruth — is a Shavuot tradition. For younger kids, give them permission to stay up reading as late as they can — no screens, just piles of books to read with you or to themselves. Even older children benefit from being read to by an adult, so include some read-aloud time in your side-by-side reading time. Find a PJ Library book about Shavuot.
4. Grow Together: Wheat was one of the items harvested and brought to the Temple (Chag ha-Katzir: Harvest Festival of Reaping). Honor this idea by growing wheatgrass at home.
5. Reap Together: Shavuot celebrates the first fruits of the season (Yom Habikkurim: Festival of the First Fruits), which were historically brought to the Temple in Jerusalem. In modern times, you can honor this tradition by picking your own fruits at one of these local farms.
6. Hike Together: Connect Shavuot to Moses hiking up Mount Sinai to receive the Torah by taking a family hike. And join our mishlachat (educational emissaries from Israel) on an Israeli-style family hike on June 12th! (Details forthcoming.)
7. Create Together: Invoke the legend that Mount Sinai burst into bloom when Moses received the Ten Commandments by making flower crowns. Or learn an Eastern European tradition (shared with our seven-year old readers in The Art Lesson by Allison and Wayne Marks this month!) of papercut decorations.

Learn more about Lag B’Omer on the PJ Library Holiday Hub.

Learn more about Shavuot on the PJ Library Holiday Hub.

Want to share this holiday with grandparents? Get ideas for socially-distanced or long-distance celebrations on our PJ Grandparents Shavuot Resource page!

Family Fun Roundup #21: Celebrate Passover! (April 2022)

Passover starts on Friday, and we are both excited to start celebrating and worrying about getting everything ready for the seder (Passover meal). How about you? To help you with your Passover preparations and traditions, we’ve rounded up some great programs, resources, and tips!

1. Join a Family-Friendly Passover Event: From playground play dates to community seders, there’s something for everyone on our list of Passover celebrations. The Passover Scavenger Hunt has begun, but you can complete the missions until the 26^th. Sign up to join the friendly competition on the Goose Chase app!
2. Let All Who Are Hungry Come and Eat: There’s a line in the Haggadah (the seder guidebook) that says, “let all who are hungry come and eat.” It’s used to welcome guests, including strangers, to your table, and many Jewish families also use it as inspiration to give back around the holiday. During Federation’s Sara and Samuel J. Lessans Good Deeds Week last week, over 1,100 volunteers donated time and resources to address food insecurity. If you’d still like to get involved, find a collection drive.
3. Incorporate a New Passover Ritual: Passover may be the most celebrated holiday among Jews around the world, but how it’s celebrated varies from country to country. Use this opportunity to learn about the diversity of Passover celebrations! For example, Moroccan Jews have an end-of-Passover custom called Mimouna, and there are a variety of recipes for charoset (a fruit mixture used in the seder) which reflect what is native and available in the spring in the countries where Jews live.
4. Sharing with Grandparents: We sent ideas to our PJ Grandparents about celebrating Passover with their grandchildren. You can check out the multi-generational ideas, too! If your child’s grandparents would like to receive this kind of information directly, sign them up for their own PJ books or send me their email address!
5. Celebrating Passover (Beyond the Seder): Need ideas for lunches, movies, activities and books all week long? Check out our PJ Blog post! We are also looking for families to join in the fun as we count the the days between Passover and Shavuot! Starting the second day of Passover, Jews count the 49 days (7 weeks) until Shavuot (the feast of weeks, celebrating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai), which is called “Counting the Omer.” Choose a number to help count the Omer!
6. For More, Visit the PJ Library Passover Holiday Hub: Find the PJ Library Haggadah in multiple languages, book lists, games, lunch tips, preparation ideas (including a pre-seder checklist!), and more!

Passover begins at sundown on Friday, April 15^th.

Federation and our global partners — JDC, the Jewish Agency for Israel, and World ORT — have worked in Ukraine for decades. Together with donors to our Annual Campaign, we have built the infrastructure of a vibrant Jewish community — and to respond urgently to the horrors of war. Now, we must act swiftly to support Ukraine’s 200,000 Jews. Thousands are trapped in conflict zones in the east and thousands more have fled the fighting. We must act now to meet crucial humanitarian and communal needs in Ukraine. Contribute to Federation’s Ukraine Emergency Fund

Family Fun Roundup #20: Do Not Pass-Over Federation’s Family Fun Roundup! (March 2022)

Welcoming spring, Good Deeds Week, and Passover! The world is opening back up and blooming, which makes this a great time to get outside and practice hakarat hatov (recognizing the good)!

1. Celebrate Spring: The DC area does spring better than anywhere, and nothing says “spring” like the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin. The peak bloom is happening now, but there are events and blossoms happening all over. Beltway Bambinos has compiled the best list of activities and insider tips, including places away from the Mall, to have a picnic or take your annual spring family photo.
2. Celebrate Volunteering: We know many families volunteer and donate all year long (and we thank you for that!), but there is power in a collective effort to practice tikkun olam (repairing the world), during a week of mitzvot (good deeds). Join The Jewish Federation and 60+ partners for the Sara & Samuel J. Lessans Good Deeds Week, from April 3^rd – 10^th, to support individuals and families in our region who are experiencing food insecurity. Together, we will fill the shelves of local food pantries, feed those who are hungry, and make a difference all week long. Find a volunteer project.
3. Celebrate Women’s History Month: Celebrate history by looking to the future! For the next few days, you can still check out the largest collection of statues of women ever assembled at the Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building’s FUTURES exhibition of #IfThenSheCan – The Exhibit. These bright orange sculptures are great for inspiration, photos, and conversations. Can’t make it down to the Mall by the 27^th? Check out the resources and book ideas from A Mighty Girl.
4. Celebrate Passover: Speaking of spring, Chag HaAviv (the spring holiday, another name for Passover) is coming up on April 15^th. As you get ready to celebrate this festival of freedom, we have events, recipes, activity kits, ideas, and more to help your holiday bloom. Start your celebration with a mitzvah by signing up to send a Passover card to Jewish veterans!
5. Celebrate New Books: Did you know that 70% of PJ Library’s lineup of books are new each year? PJ has been actively soliciting stories that show a broader range of Jewish culture and practice and is often a springboard for new authors. Check out the Sydney Taylor Award-winning book, The Passover Guest by local author Susan Kusel — it’s set in DC! Or learn more about Mimouna, a Moroccan post-Passover tradition, in A Sweet Meeting On Mimouna Night by Allison Ofanansky, or Sephardic Jews in Spain in Raquela’s Seder by Joel Edward Stein.

Family Fun Roundup #19: February Edition (February 2022)

There’s much to love and learn this month!

1. Share the Love of PJ Library: The PJ Library Refer-a-Friend campaign continues through the end of the month! If you are part of PJ Our Way or PJ Library, you should have received a unique code by email to encourage friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors to sign up for their own library of Jewish books. You’ll get rewarded with a gift card, and they’ll get the gift of PJ Library! If you haven’t received your code, please reach out to [email protected]
2. Celebrate Black History Month: There are many ways to celebrate and experience Black History Month locally, and you can enhance the educational experience by reading one of the many historical picture books we’ve curated on our Pinterest board. If you want help narrowing down the ideas for your family, please be in touch at [email protected].
3. Learn More About Judaism: If PJ Library has inspired you to learn more about Judaism, we have plenty of options to connect to a “Judaism 101” class online or in-person. Check out the Adult Education page on Jconnect to learn more!
4. Head Outdoors for a Nature Walk: Join Growing Jewish Families for nature walks in Arlington or Chantilly on during upcoming Sundays this month. You’ll get to connect with other families while communing with nature.
5. March Forth to Book Week: Join us for Book Week with Washington Hebrew Congregation the first week of March. There’s a playground story time in DC on Tuesday, March 1^st or a book swap and celebration on Friday, March 4^th in Potomac. You can sign up for both!
6. Get Ready for Purim: The joyous holiday of Purim, characterized by costumes, feasting, reading the megillah (the scroll with the story of Esther), hamantaschen (triangular filled cookies), and more, is coming up next month. Get ideas for costumes, mishloach manot (small gifts of food to friends), and celebrations on our Purim page.

And save the date for Purim Grandfriend on March 8^th. Invite your child’s grandparents and register by February 28^th to receive art materials in the mail!

Family Fun Roundup #18: Snow Problem to Stay Indoors (January 2022)

With the cold weather and renewed pandemic restrictions, it feels like we are back to hibernating. If staying isolated feels un-bear-able, try out these cool ideas!

1. Connect with Other Families: Check out the JFamily Ambassador program near you to meet with a local parent connector, learn more about our community, and make new friends with young kids who live near you!*
2. Get Creative: Try a new creative wintry project from The Artful Parent, or flannel tie blankets, or this in-person Big Messy Art program taught by PJ mom Lilach Cohen-Holden. Want a virtual option? Try Growing Grasshoppers!
3. Celebrate Lunar New Year: The Jewish calendar revolves around the moon, but it’s not the only one. Celebrate Lunar New Year by learning more about the holiday (which falls on February 1^st this year), eating Chinese food (it’s not just for Christmas!), and enjoying one of these PJ Library books featuring Chinese families: Chicken Soup, Chicken Soup by Pamela Mayer and Shanghai Sukkah by Heidi Smith Hyde; or this one, which features a child adopted from Vietnam: Rebecca’s Journey Home by Pamela Ehrenberg
4. Get Ready for the Winter Olympics: Speaking of China, the Winter Olympics kick off in Beijing on Friday, February 4^th. Our family used the Summer Olympics to take a culinary tour of the world, trying or making foods from Brazil, China, India, Israel, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. We will do the same this year, trying a new country each night while we root for the athletes. Check out more ideas to get into the Olympic spirit.
5. Get Cozy with a Family Movie Night: While your kids may not want to watch or sing anything but Encanto on repeat (who can blame them?!), there are other great new movies and classics to enjoy. While you set up a “concession stand” with drinks, popcorn, and candy, the kids can set up the seating with pillows and blankets! You can also try a themed movie night to match the food with the movie!

*And if this sounds like something you’d like to do and get paid for, check out the JFamily Ambassador job openings in DC and Virginia!

Family Fun Roundup #17: Winter is Coming (December 2021)

Chanukah may be over, but the wintry fun continues!

1) Making a Play Date at the Theater: There are Chanukah plays at The Puppet Co. and at Adventure Theater in Glen Echo Park through the end of the month. Or, you can join PJ Library families at Corduroy (based on the beloved book series) at Imagination Stage on Wednesday, December 29^that 11:00 AM. Use the code JFAMILY for a $2 discount per ticket!

(Social distancing and covid protocols are in place for all locations. See their websites for details.)

2) Carrying the Story of Chanukah through the Month: There’s a season of service and celebration that can be kindled by the Festival of Lights, even after the eight days and nights! Consider these lingering lessons from Chanukah, inspired by PJ Library books.

3) Doing Good as a Family: PJ Library kids will receive a Mitzvah Pack in the mail this month. We hope it inspires some amazing acts of kindness—please let us know about them! Volunteering and mitzvot (good deeds) are great ideas for any age, any time of year. You can collect new winter items to give to those experiencing homelessness, make soup for a neighbor who is under the weather, feed the birds that don’t fly south, and much more. Get inspired and find local volunteer opportunities.

4) Supporting our Interfaith Families:We know many of our families come from multifaith backgrounds. To help navigate what can be a tricky time of year, we want to share the resources from 18Doors (formerly InterfaithFamily) to help with conversations and celebrations. You can also reach out to me for advice as I am from an interfaith family!

5) Having Snow Much Fun: It might be wishful thinking that we’ll have snow in December, but just in case, bookmark our Snow Day Activities Pinterest board for ideas to take full advantage of wintery fun!

Family Fun Roundup #16: Shedding Light on Chanukah (November 2021)

Adding light at the darkest time of the year sends a powerful message to our children. It tells them that they have the power—and the responsibility—to be a spark that brightens the world. As we gather around the chanukiyah (the nine-branched candelabrum used for Chanukah) and add one more candle each night for eight nights, let’s remember that the shamash (the “helper” candle) is what makes it possible. Have a conversation with your children about how they can be the shamash, and add more light to the world.

1) Family-Friendly Chanukah Events: Join us for a Chanukah celebration with grandfriends, community candle lightings, storytimes, a Minecraft Chanukah experience, a puppet show, or a Chanukah Shabbat. Find the perfect celebration to share with your family on Federation’s Jconnect.

2) Eight Values of Chanukah: These eight values are derived from the story of Chanukah with pieces for learning, asking, doing, and reading.

3) PJ Library Chanukah Hub: Find all that you need including recipes, theme nights, book lists, and more.

4) Tips for Connecting with Extended Family Around Chanukah: Find ideas to celebrate the Festival of Lights with grandparents and extended family, no matter where they live.

5) Sharing the Light During Chanukah: Practice tikkun olam (repairing the world) with these at-home, values-based activities

6) Gobble Tov! Thanksgivukkah Family Ideas: Thanksgiving and Chanukah fall on the same weekend—though not on the same day!—this year. Find craft ideas and learn how to bring the Jewish values of hakarat hatov (recognizing the good) and shalom bayit (peace in the home) into your family celebrations.

Chanukah begins at sundown on Sunday, November 28^th, and ends at sundown on Sunday, December 5^th.

You can always keep up with the latest PJ Library co-sponsored programs on the Jconnect calendar or Facebook.

Chag Urim Sameach (Happy Festival of Lights)!

Family Fun Roundup #15: Falling for Autumn (October 2021)

It’s a great month for getting outside and celebrating the change in season!

1) Walk and Talk: Take advantage of the cooler weather and get outside with your kids. Notice changes that are happening in nature, from the leaves to what time the sun goes down. For younger kids, point them out and narrate it. For older kids, each of you should share what you’re seeing. Bonus: it can be a great opportunity for deeper conversations about school, home, or any other topic with your kids since there aren’t other distractions.

2) Make and Bake: Our new fall family tradition is to make these Apple Cider Donut Muffins that evoke a trip to the pumpkin patch and can be made by or with your children. We have also discovered Chocolate Chunk Marshmallow Cookies, which made each of us ask the question, “why didn’t we think of this before?” Bonus: these options are great to share with friends and neighbors!

3) Listen and Learn: From Jewish artists to songs about gratitude to new family storytelling podcasts, PJ Library Listen is a great companion for long car rides to the orchard or to visit family.

4) Care and Share: Want to set an example for your children while helping a good cause? Volunteer as a family! There are many options that can be done at home or in the community. And if you need assistance, please reach out to our 703-J-CARING warm line.

5) S’mores and More: Need more ideas? The Beltway Bambinos Fall Bucket List has even more local family-friendly ideas!

Family Fun Roundup #14: Sukkot Edition (September 2021)

Sukkot (soo-COAT, a harvest festival whose name means “small huts”) starts on Monday, and we are kicking off our celebration with a veritable cornucopia of events and ideas!

1) Celebrate Sukkot or Simchat Torah (“rejoicing in the Torah”) as a Community
We have some amazing events that celebrate the season through learning and hands-on activities!

Young Families Pre-Sukkot Play Date: Sunday, September 19^th | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM (VA)

Sukkah City x DC Community Day : Sunday, September 19^th | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (DC)

Sukkah Hop with the Pozez JCC: Monday, September 20^th– Monday, September 27^th(VA)

Sukkot/Simchat Torah – Family Learning and Celebration with Machar: Sunday, September 26^th | 11:00 AM (DC)

Pick with PJ: Sunday, September 26^th | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (VA and MD)

2) Download PJ Library’s Family Guide for Sukkot and Simchat Torah
PJ Library has created a book that will guide you through how to shake the lulav (a bundle specific plants) and the etrog (a citron-type fruit) of in the sukkah (the temporary hut built for the holiday), what the blessings are, how to celebrate Simchat Torah, and more!

3) Have a Joyful Sukkot—Even If You Can’t Have a Sukkah

1. 1. 1. 1. Kveller has created a list of ways to celebrate Sukkot if you do not have a sukkah at home.
        
        MyJewishLearning has a guide to obtaining a lulav and etrog.
        
        Make an edible sukkah or other snacks that celebrate the harvest with these ideas from PJ Library.

4) Get Pin-spired with Even More Ideas
We are curating ideas for sukkah decoration, Simchat Torah snacks, book lists, and more on our holiday Pinterest board!

If you’d like more ideas, please be in touch—we are here to help you have a meaningful and joyous Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah.

Family Fun Roundup #13: Celebrate the Jewish Fall Holidays (August 2021)

It’s time for a fresh start and a new year! As we begin the new school year and the unofficial end of summer, we also welcome the Jewish year 5782 on Monday, September 6^th at sundown. We will turn the page on the calendar and turn inward to reflect on ourselves, while sharing the experience as a community.

Our holidays are rich with many wonderful traditions, and our community continues to creatively adapt them to help families celebrate safely, meaningfully, and joyfully.

1)Family-Friendly Holiday Programs: Find a scavenger hunt, celebration, apple picking, or a religious service that’s perfect with kids. Check it out!

2) A Time to Grow: A PJ Library Family Guide to the Fall Holidays: This beautiful new PJ Library guide explores ways for your family to celebrate the Jewish fall holidays at home.

3) Holiday Ideas: Find ideas for crafts, books, music, and more.

4) A Very Israeli Rosh Hashanah: Cook with Federation for Rosh Hashanah on Wednesday, September 1st at 8PM ET with James Beard Foundation award-winning chef Michael Solomonov, and New York Times Best-Selling cookbook author, Adeena Sussman! They’ll demonstrate how to cook the perfect Rosh Hashanah meal, just in time for the holiday—and we’ll share the recipes too!

5) Rosh Hashanah Recipes: Apples, honey, and round challah are just the beginning: There are many other symbolic foods for Rosh Hashanah! Find a recipe for your family.

Family Fun Roundup #12: Sharing the Love This Summer (July 2021)

This July is filled with love and sweetness, with Tu B’Av (the Jewish holiday of love), the Sweet Summer Series, and the Summer Olympics. We’ve got the scoop on summer fun!

1) Share the Love: Tu B’Av (the 15th of the Hebrew month of Av) is celebrated as the Jewish holiday of love; this year it starts on Friday, July 23rd at sundown. You can celebrate it at home by making cards for family members and friends, making a sweet treat, or instituting a “yes day” for the family. It occurs six days after Tisha B’Av, the Jewish day of mourning—an interesting juxtaposition explored in this blog post: Mourning and Loving in the Same Month.

1. 1. 1. 1. Learn more about the holiday from PJ Library.
        
        Express love by doing acts of chesed (loving-kindness) for others. Get ideas from our #MitzvahMonday posts.
        
        27 Little Things That Mean the World to Your Kids (Red Tricycle)

2) Share the Sweetness: Join PJ Library and our partners for playtime and popsicles at your local playground! Check the Sweet Summer Series schedule for a playdate near you. Invite your child’s “grandfriends” to join them to make ice cream for our virtual offering on Monday, August 2nd.

3) Share the Spirit: The Summer Olympics start Friday, July 23rd and go through Sunday, August 8th. Root for your favorite athletes with these Olympics-themed craft, game, and food ideas on our Pinterest board. If your kids get inspired, there’s a ton of ideas for active play, too!

4) Share the Music: Sing and dance with the JFamily Ambassadors and PJ Library at the amazing Joanie Leeds concert on Tuesday, July 27th at 11:00 AM! Meet up with other families after the show. Buy tickets from Wolf Trap and use code PJJCC to receive $5 off orchestra seats.

You can always keep up with the latest PJ Library co-sponsored programs on the Jconnect calendar or Facebook.

Family Fun Roundup #11: Summer Fun Edition (June 2021)

As the school year winds down this month—and it’s hard to believe it’s only been 10 months since September—we have cool ideas for a hot time in the city!

1) Getting Ready for Summer: PJ Library has great tips for making the most of the season.

1. 1. 1. 1. Tips for Transitioning to Summer Vacation
        
        Jewish Values to Pack for the Beach
        
        8 Items to Pack for Summer Camp

2) How Sweet It Is: Join PJ Library and our partners for playtime and popsicles at your local playground! Check the Sweet Summer Series schedule for one near you! Not ready for gathering outside yet? We will also have an online option!

3) The Truck Stops Here: All those online order delivery boxes can be recycled…or they can be repurposed into vehicles that can help your child’s imagination go on a journey! Sign up for the J Pop-Ups Truck Day Challenge to create your own vehicle out of recycled and found objects. Then submit a picture of your vehicle to be eligible for a prize drawing.

4) Ice Cream, You Scream: Beltway Bambinos has rounded up the best-of-the-best ice cream shops in our area. Which have you tried? Which would you add to the list?

5) Jewish Parenting 101: We are delighted to share an essay from local PJ Library parent and author, Marion Haberman, from her new book, Expecting Jewish.

Don’t forget that our #MitzvahMonday posts go live on Facebook each week—the Jewish values and social action ideas can take you through the whole summer. Get the archive on Jconnect.

**Family Fun Roundup #10: Celebrating Shavuot (May 2021)**

On Shavuot (the “Feast of Weeks”), we celebrate the receiving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and the first fruits of the late spring harvest. It is a holiday about food, setting up rules to live by, and reading—it is perfect for celebrating with kids! We do this with dairy foods, all-night reading sessions, family hikes, and wearing flower crowns. For this month’s Family Fun Roundup, we have easy, local ideas for celebrating the holiday with your family.

Here are some Shavuot traditions and ways you can make them your own:

Yom Habikkurim (Festival of the First Fruits): Another name for Shavuot speaks to it being a harvest holiday where Jews would bring the first fruits of the harvest to the Temple in Jerusalem. Celebrate our local harvest with one of these pick-your-own farms that have strawberries, flowers, and fresh produce.

Chag ha-Katzir (Harvest Festival of Reaping): Wheat was one of the items harvested and brought to the Temple. You can celebrate this by buying or making challah with your children. Shannon Sarna, author of Modern Jewish Baker, has some challah hacks for busy parents. Pair the challah with butter in a jar, to combine the wheat with dairy.

Receiving the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai: Moses received the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. Make your own set of ten family rules with input from each member of your household. You can also make Mount Sinai crafts to help your children remember the history of the holiday.

Flower Crowns: Legend has it that when Moses received the Torah, the barren hills of Mount Sinai burst into bloom. Celebrate with picking flowers, making paper flowers, and making flower crowns.

Tikkun Leil Shavuot (the practice of studying Torah all night long): Reading Torah, especially the Book of Ruth, all night is one way to celebrate. Have an “all-nighter” by letting your kids stay up late reading, with no need to hide with a book and flashlight under the covers! Find a PJ Library book about Shavuot to add to the stack.

Eating Dairy Foods: There are many reasons given for eating dairy foods on Shavuot, but your kids probably do not need the excuse. Try an ice cream sundae bar to go with your reading all-nighter, or make some of these cool treats (dairy and dairy-free options). Kids love shaking up butter in a jar, too (and it goes great with the challah)!

Take a Hike: Emulate the Israelites and take a hike outside. Check out these kid-friendly local destinations.

Learn more about Shavuot on the PJ Library Holiday Hub.

Want to share this holiday with grandparents? Get ideas for socially-distanced or long-distance celebrations on our PJ Grandparents Shavuot Resource page!

Family Fun Roundup #9: Celebrating Spring (April 2021)

Not sure there is any place that does spring better than our area—the blooms and feelings of renewal are everywhere! Here are some ideas to help you plan for some spring family fun (allergy meds not included).

1) Count the Omer with Us: Each year, Jews count the 49 days (7 weeks) between Passover and Shavuot (which means “weeks,” and it starts on Sunday, May 16^th this year). We are counting toward a celebration of receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai after escaping Egypt. Each day, our community is posting a number to keep count. So far, families have created numbers out of shoes, spoons, pasta, and macaroons. Claim your own number and create it with your family to share!

2) Lag B’Omer (33^rd Day of the Omer): In the middle of the Omer, the 33^rd day is celebrated with bonfires, outdoor hikes, and more. Celebrate Lag B’Omer at home on Thursday, April 29^th with these ideas, including five s’mores recipes and a make-at-home Omer counter.

3) Spring Bucket List: Beltway Bambinos has updated their seasonal bucket list with new ideas for this year. Want to bloom and glow? Check out their list.

4) Ode to Spring: The cherry blossoms by the Tidal Basin were a gift from Japan. A haiku, or hokku, is a traditional Japanese three-line poem that follows a 5-7-5 syllable structure. Why not encourage your family to write one as an ode to your favorite parts of this season? You can also illustrate it with photos or drawings. We would love to see your family’s creativity!

Roundup #8: Celebrating Passover (March 2021)

For thousands of years, we have honored the traditions of the seder (the Passover ritual meal), telling the story, and passing it on to the next generation. This year, despite all the challenges, we will do the same. Celebrating Passover is a way of standing up (or reclining on cushions as we do during the seder) and saying, “Hineni, I am [still] here.”

To help you with your Passover preparations and traditions, we’ve rounded up some great programs, resources, and tips!

Join a Family-Friendly Passover Event
From author events to cooking classes, from grandparent programs to movie nights, there’s something for everyone on our list of Passover celebrations.

Learn from the Past
Check out the lessons learned from the previous year that can apply to our second “Pandemic Passover” and other holiday celebrations in this month’s issue of Washington Parent.

Share Passover Stories

1. 1. 1. 1. Join one of the weekly story-and-craft times with JFamily Ambassadors (a Federation-funded program): Bite-Size Fun (Tuesdays at Noon) or Afternoon Sillies (Thursdays at 4:00 PM).
        
        Use the PJ Library Passover River Ride to enhance your celebrations.
        
        Listen to the Four Questions to practice, share a preview of the seder experience, and learn new songs on the PJ Library Listen page.

Cook Together
Kids can help make charoset (the ceremonial food eaten at the seder made from sweet fruit), matzah balls, mina (Sephardic pie), and other recipes, even from a young age. Find a new family favorite on Federation’s Jewish Food Experience.

Visit the PJ Library Passover Holiday Hub
Find the PJ Library Haggadah in multiple languages, book lists, games, lunch tips, preparation ideas (including a pre-seder checklist!), and more!

Check Out Our Passover Ideas Pinterest Board
Need more reading, recipe, or wardrobe ideas? Look on our Pinterest page!

Passover begins at sundown on Saturday, March 27.

Roundup #7: Celebrating Purim (February 2021)

I recently posited that we’ve done nothing BUT celebrate Purim since the pandemic started (read why on our “Here’s the Story” blog). If you want to celebrate Purim for real this year, we have a whole lot of options to wear your masks, eat some hamantaschen, and party with your family.

Join a Family-Friendly Purim Event
Grab your mask and join a virtual or socially-distant outdoor Purim celebration, or order a BimBam kit to celebrate at home. Want the experience of a carnival of Purim games at home? Check out our community-wide Purim Carnivirtual on Sunday, February 21 at 4:30 PM. (Early bird discount ends Tuesday!)

Share Purim Stories

1. 1. 1. 1. Join one of the weekly story-and-craft times with the JFamily Ambassadors of Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia: Bite-Size Fun (Tuesdays at Noon) or Afternoon Sillies (Thursdays at 4:00 PM)
        
        Listen to the PJ Library podcast version of the Purim story
        
        Share stories of brave women, past and present
        
        Watch author Samara Klein read Purim Masquerade

Make Hamantaschen
These triangular filled cookies are a Purim staple. You can buy them at a local bakery or make your own at home with this easy recipe.

Get Your Costume On
It’s said that we dress up on Purim because God’s role in the story is masked, or because Esther initially hid her identity as a Jew. Have fun by dressing up as a character from the Purim story, as a hero, or as a favorite storybook character. Here are some ideas that won’t take long to throw together!

Participate in Matanot L’evyonim (Gifts to Those in Need)
Giving to help those experiencing poverty is a mitzvah (good deed) during Purim and year-round. If you’d like to contribute time, talent, or treasure, check out great ideas for doing good on Federation’s Jconnect.

Visit the PJ Library Purim Holiday Hub
Find recipes, costume ideas, book lists, and more.

Check Out Our Purim Ideas Pinterest Board
Need more reading, recipe, or wardrobe ideas? Look on our Pinterest page!

Purim begins at sundown on Thursday, February 25.

Roundup #6: Pajamuary, MLK, and the Trees’ Birthday (January 2021)

1) Honor the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King: This week, you can teach your kids to follow Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King’s example with these books and hands-on activities.

2) Celebrate the Birthday of the Trees: Tu B’Shevat is a holiday that marks the season when trees in the Land of Israel emerge from their winter sleep to begin a new fruit-bearing cycle. It begins on Wednesday, January 27 at sundown. Find at-home ideas, recipes, and books on the PJ Library Holiday Hub, and join us for one of these programs:

1. 1. 1. 1. Tu B’Shevat Grandfriend program, Tuesday, January 26, 4:30 PM
        PJ Library kids and their “grandfriends” can join us for a multi-generational event to share stories, create a watercolor collage artwork, and celebrate togetherness. Register by January 19 to receive free art materials for the program. (Best for ages 3-7)
        
        PJ Our Way Tu B’Shevat Seder, Wednesday, January 27, 5:15 PM
        Join PJOW and Capital Camps for a mini-seder and to play games and celebrate the birthday of the trees together. (Best for ages 8-11)

3) Celebrate “Pajamuary”: We declare January to be “Pajamuary!” Find a local place to donate pajamas, and then join us for a weekend full of activities. (Best for ages 1-6):

1. 1. 1. 1. Pajamuary Tot Shabbat, Friday, January 29, 4:30 PM
        
        Pajamuary Havdalah, Saturday, January 30, 6:15 PM
        
        Pancake Breakfast and All Star Tu B’Shevat Performance, Sunday, January 31, 9:30 AM
        Jam out in your jammies with a very special musical Tu B’Shevat celebration! Join us for The JKids Radio All-Star Tu B’Shevat Concert, featuring Jewish kids music superstars Ellen Allard, Shira Kline, Joanie Leeds, Jason Mesches, Mister G, and Rick Recht.

4) Engage, Educate & Elevate: Tips for Engaging Kids During the Pandemic: Join Federation and local early childhood education experts, Ora Cohen Rosenfeld and Miryam Buchler, on Tuesday, February 9, 7:30 PM, for an engaging seminar about creating a positive learning environment for your preschooler during these challenging times. Bring your questions, learn about local preschool, and connect with other preschool families.

5) Let It Snow: In case you need it, bookmark our Snow Day Activities Pinterest board. Our favorite ideas include hot chocolate bombs, LEGO prompts, indoor games, and snow art!

Roundup #5: Sharing Stories & Celebrating Seasons (November 2020)

1) Gratitude and Giving: Over the next two months, our programs and resources will have a meaningful theme of Hakarat HaTov (recognizing the good), providing avenues and education to focus on how to share gratitude and give back. Check out our blog post and our resource page, and consider one of these upcoming options:

1. 1. 1. 1. Make food packages for Everything but the Turkey (EBTT) (November 22)
        
        Make Chanukah cards for the military (mail by November 23)
        
        Participate in a Tzedakah (charity) family giving workshop (November 27)

2) Tips for Staying Active: With the daylight hours becoming shorter and the weather turning colder, many families are worried about getting enough time for active play outside. Kids are resilient—with the right clothing and the right attitude, you can still enjoy outdoor family time. Here are some ideas and tips:

1. 1. 1. 1. Layer up—wearing thin layers helps keep your family members warm and can be taken off as the body warms up during outdoor activity. Gloves and hats help a lot. (Here’s how not to lose the gloves!)
        
        BONUS IDEA: If you have winter clothing that your child has outgrown or have a need for winter clothing for your child, consider connecting to Yad Yehuda’s Clothing Exchange.
        
        Go for a nighttime walk, with a flashlight, glowsticks, or a homemade lantern.
        
        Go “’plogging” (where you pick up trash with gloves while you walk or jog).
        
        Take a camera on your daytime walk. Document the change in seasons through your child’s eyes and your camera lens.
        
        And when the weather just won’t permit getting outside, check out these ideas from the Washington Post for indoor activities to keep kids active.

3) Make Thanksgiving Sweeter: Federation Partner Sunflower Bakery is a local non-profit that provides job training and employment in pastry arts, production baking, barista service, and front of house operations for individuals with learning differences. Their delicious holiday baked goods are now available to order. Buy your desserts for Thanksgiving while doing a mitzvah (good deed)!

4) Find a Delightful Chanukah Option: Chanukah begins the evening of Thursday, December 10. We are rounding up fun events and resources here.

Roundup #4: Sharing Stories & Celebrating Seasons (October 2020)

1) Read Stories with Grandparents: Caribu (which was created by a PJ Library parent) lets families have a video call with children’s books and activities shared on screen. It’s a great way to have extended family share stories and stay connected. The app’s library has now expanded to include a selection of PJ Library books! Note: the free Caribu subscription includes access to 15 books, games, or activities per month

2) Hear from Two Fabled Actresses: Natalie Portman and Eva Longoria will discuss Portman’s new book, a retelling of three classic fables, and her “belief in the power of storytelling to change minds.” Join this Sixth & I virtual event on Tuesday, October 20 at 7:30 PM. Register in advance. (For adults)

3) Find a Weekly Program: Join the JCCs for one of their weekly virtual gatherings.

1. 1. 1. 1. Story Time: Mondays at 3:00 PM (Edlavitch DCJCC)
        
        Community Story Time & Show and Tell: Tuesdays at 9:30 AM (Bender JCC)
        
        Bite-Size Fun: Tuesdays at Noon (Pozez JCC)
        
        Virtual Children’s Yoga & Mindfulness: Wednesdays at 10:00 AM (Bender JCC)
        
        Afternoon Sillies: Thursdays at 4:00 PM (Pozez JCC)

4) Taste the Season: In addition to the apple cider donut muffins we’ve been making, this pumpkin challah recipe is the perfect way to celebrate the season on Shabbat.

5) Bring the Beauty of Fall Indoors: While on a family walk, collect the colorful leaves that have fallen to make leaf rubbings, pressed leaves or these luminous leaf lanterns. Get more ideas for your family walk in this PJ Library blog post, “Children and the Leaves of Autumn.”

6) Bring the Torah to Life: This week’s Torah portion is about Bereishit (“Creation”). You can honor the Jewish value of Shomrei Adamah (“partners in Creation”) by making a family commitment to caring for the earth. This could be adding more to recycling; taking a bag and gloves on a family walk to pick up trash; making reminder signs to turn off the lights and water when not in use; or other ideas you come up with as a family.

Another Torah connection: we will soon re-read the story of Noah’s Ark. Bring it to life with a trip to the National Zoo, which has timed tickets available for visitors, or one of these local farm festivals, which have animals to view, pet, or feed.

P.S. Feeling overwhelmed? Unsure about your options for support? Call 703-J-CARING: The Jewish Community Support Line (703-522-7464), to be connected with the many resources available to residents of DC, MD, and Northern VA. A partnership between The Jewish Federation and JSSA, 703-J-CARING is accessible Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM, and all calls are confidential. Everyone deserves care. Your Jewish community is here for you.

Roundup #3: Get Clean and Crafty (September 2020)

1) Get a Clean Slate: The Jewish Days of Awe start with Rosh Hashanah and end with Yom Kippur (“day of atonement”), which begins tonight at sundown. We wish you all g’mar chatima tovah (“a good final sealing.”) Yom Kippur is a day of prayer and introspection to have a fresh start for a new year. Find a Yom Kippur

2) Celebrate Sukkot: Sukkot (“feast of booths”) is a harvest holiday that begins on Friday at sundown. During this holiday, we commemorate God’s sheltering our ancestors as they traveled to the Promised Land by building a sukkah (temporary hut that is open to the stars) as our “home-away-from-home.” You can also do a virtual tour of sukkot from around the world or build a virtual sukkah with this app, Celebrate the harvest by picking apples or pumpkins and join one of these Sukkot events, including our Sukkot Grandfriend cooking program on Tuesday, October 6.

3) Fall for Autumn: There are outdoor adventures to welcome the new season, from hikes to pumpkin picking. We love the Beltway Bambinos Fall Bucket List, with ideas for safe, seasonal fun.

4) Get Crafty: You can make stamped cards for any occasion using household items and some paint. We are also gushing over these adorable beaded pumpkins and corn projects that you can use to decorate your home or your sukkah. (Best for ages 3 and up)

Find even more ideas on our Sukkot and Simchat Torah Pinterest board

Shanah Tovah U’Metukah (“have a good and sweet year”)

Roundup #2: Ideas to Get Through a Summer Like No Other (August 2020)

1) Make a Difference: Want to do a mitzvah (“good deed”) to help others facing hunger? Check out Federation’s Social Action Toolkit for families for a quick guide to addressing food insecurity in our area with a hands-on project.

Follow up with learning and doing the Jewish value of tikkun olam (the Jewish value of repairing the world) with these great resources (best for ages 4-12):

1. 1. 1. 1. PJ A Mitzvah a Day (at Home)
        
        Social Action Project Ideas on Federation’s Jconnect
        
        Federation’s Doing Good Guides for Families

2) Walk and Click: Bring a camera on a family walk. Have your children take pictures of flowers or other things that look beautiful to them. Done monthly, your child can develop an appreciation for how the environment changes with the seasons. It is also fascinating to see how each person sees the same world with different eyes. Consider using the photos to make gifts such as notepads, framed prints, collages, and more. (best for ages 3–12)

3) Share PJ Story Time Videos: Get a library refresh or take a break from reading by sharing these book videos with your child. And if you liked the High Holiday-themed book you received this month, find more like it. (best for ages 0–8)

4) Create the Museum of You: The Capital Jewish Museum will guide you on a weekly journey to curate your own collection that tells your story. Watch the videos (posted weekly on Wednesdays) and view the resources to create your own museum at home! (best for ages 3–12)

5) Let Your Imagination Take Flight: The Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum has videos, activities (including piloting an aircraft!), and inspiration on several science topics (Grades K-12)

Don’t forget about our last week of the Summer Sweetness events or the Summer at Home Family Fun Guide for more things to do as a family.

And to get your family ready for the High Holidays, Federation will have a month of ideas for reflection and introspection. Follow us on Facebook to see everything for the Hebrew month of Elul.

Roundup #1: Welcome (July 2020)

1) Check out our Summer at Home Family Fun Guide for ideas and the Jewish values that inspire them.

2) Join Us for Some Summer Sweetness: We have taken the Sweet Summer Series online and focusing on the values of kindness, gratitude, and friendship. Join us with our partners on a weekday evening; find the schedule online. (Best for ages 3–7)

3) Walk with Purpose: Go on an outdoor scavenger hunt for five things you have not seen since last summer. Or find one thing for each of the five senses (touch, sight, taste, smell, and hearing). (Good for all ages)

4) Find a Local Jewish Summer Camp: Connect with virtual and outdoor options for your child (camps ages vary, from preschool–middle school). Also check out “5 Things to Consider If You’re Signing Up for Zoom Camp” on Kveller.

5) Make a Refreshing Treat: Try these key lime pie popsicles or one of these cool recipes on PJ Library. Yum! (good for all ages)