PJ Library
Your Child’s Treasury of Jewish Books
- Enroll Your Family in PJ Library (books for kids newborn-8 years old)
- Enroll Your Family in PJ Our Way (chapter books for kids 8 1/2-12 years old)
- Family-Friendly Events
- Here’s the Story: PJ Library in DC Blog
- PJ Library Community Partners
- Like Us on Facebook
- Follow Us on Pinterest
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is thrilled to share PJ Library® (PJ, as in “pajamas”) with our entire community. This program provides families raising Jewish children from newborn–8 years old with a FREE treasury of Jewish books and music! Every month, families enrolled in PJ Library receive a high-quality, expertly-selected and kid-tested (!) Jewish book or CD as a gift from the community. PJ Library in Greater Washington is a gift from The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, the Emanuel J. Friedman Philanthropies, the Bender Foundation, the Charles E. Smith Family Foundation, the David Bruce Smith Foundation, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.
Virtual Shabbat and Havdalah Celebrations
- Join Bender JCC on Fridays at 10:30 AM for a Virtual Shabbat Playgroup to learn about customs, traditions, and prayers through, music, and movement.
- Join the Edlavitch DCJCC on Friday, January 29 at 4:00 PM for Tot Shabbat. Make sure to bring your Shabbat candles, challah, and grape juice to join us in saying the blessings.
Weekly Programs:
- Community Story Time & Show and Tell: Tuesdays at 9:30 AM(Bender JCC)
- Virtual Children’s Yoga & Mindfulness: Wednesdays at 10:00 AM (Bender JCC)
- Bite-Size Fun: Tuesdays at Noon (Pozez JCC)
- Afternoon Sillies: Thursdays at 4:00 PM (Pozez JCC)
What We Are Reading
FROM THE JEWISH FEDERATION
Engage, Educate & Elevate
Tuesday, February 9, 7:30 PM
Are you worried that your preschooler is missing out on critical social skills and learning during the pandemic? Join The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington for an engaging and free webinar featuring two local early childhood education experts, Ora Cohen Rosenfeld and Miryam Buchler. Breakout sessions after their presentations will offer parents an opportunity to connect and ask questions. REGISTER TODAY!
703-J-CARING Community Support Line
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. .
Federation’s Social Action Toolkit
Want to do a mitzvah (“good deed”) to help others facing hunger? Use this quick guide to addressing food insecurity in our area with a hands-on project. (Best for ages 4-12)
Connect with Purpose with Your Grandchildren
Connect with Purpose During COVID-19 Resource Center on Jconnect.
FROM PJ LIBRARY
Tu B’Shevat is the holiday often described as Jewish Earth Day, and PJ Library is celebrating with a donation to the National Forest Foundation (NFF). The money will help NFF plant trees in America’s national forests (Each tree costs $1.00.)
Stories to Inspire Planting for Tomorrow
PJ Library encourages families to plant for today and plant for tomorrow. If you’re feeling inspired by your special micro-greens growing kit and accompanying story, The Carob Tree, you will love these other books too.
Have I Got a Story For You! The Carob Tree
Join narrator Rita Toomey for an early afternoon walk to meet the characters of the story, The Carob Tree. Enjoy this beautiful re-imagining of the Talmudic story of Honi the Circle Maker.
The Big Bold Jewish Climate Fest
Join PJ Library for family-friendly activities during the 5-day (mostly) online festival that will help us connect to the Jewish values around Tu B’Shevat.
PJ OUR WAY
January’s PJ Our Way Selections
See the Purim story through the eyes of Queen Esther’s newest handmaiden or follow Tris as he competes on a kids’ reality cooking show. Find out what happens when Anna’s cousin comes to stay or ride along with Marcel as he cycles for his country. Whether you’re looking for historical fiction, a contemporary story, new recipes, or cute kittens, you’re sure to find your next great read in one of these books. Be sure to make your choice by the 10th!
Plant for Today, Plant for Tomorrow
Introducing PJ Our Way’s hub for all things green. Kids tell us about their gardens, author Joanne Levy shares a DIY growing idea, and more!
Preschools
Is your little one ready for preschool? We hope that you are able to find a Jewish preschool to start your child on his/her Jewish journey.
Day Schools
Provide your child(ren) with the building blocks for their Jewish future. Explore the options for area day schools and whether they are a good option for your child(ren).
Family-Friendly Volunteer Opportunities
Helping out as a family is a wonderful way for everyone to do a Mitzvah! Jconnect can help you find family-friendly volunteer opportunities
Difficult Conversations: Resources for Parents
Family-Friendly Events Cosponsored by PJ Library in Greater Washington
Baby Lap Time
Wednesday, January 27, 2021 | 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
PJ Our Way Tu B’Shevat Seder
Wednesday, January 27, 2021 | 5:15 pm - 6:00 pm
Pajamuary Tot Shabbat
Friday, January 29, 2021 | 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Pajamuary Havdalah
Saturday, January 30, 2021 | 6:15 pm - 7:00 pm
Pajamuary Breakfast and All Star Tu B’Shevat Performance
Sunday, January 31, 2021 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Erev Shabbat Family Service on First Fridays at Temple Shalom
Friday, February 5, 2021 | 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Tot Shabbat at TBS!
Friday, February 19, 2021 | 7:00 pm - 7:45 pm