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Your Child’s Treasury of Jewish Books

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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)
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Here’s the Story: PJ Library in DC Blog
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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.

Summer Fun at Home

The beloved Sweet Summer Series has gone online, and we are partnering to bring your family together with other neighborhood families for stories and hands-on activities around Jewish values. Join us to spread more kindness, gratitude, and friendship in the world. Schedule and partners list online. Good for all ages; ice cream optional.

Federation’s Summer-at-Home Family Fun Guide

Find a Local Jewish Summer Camp (virtual and outdoor options!)

Greater Washington Nature Hunt Handout

PJ Library Summer at Home Resources

PJ Library Mitzvah-a-Day at Home Chart

PJ Library Resources for Quarantined Families

Virtual Shabbat and Havdalah Celebrations

Join Tikvat Israel for a Shabbat Sing each Friday at 9:30 am for a professionally-led Shabbat Sing experience geared for preschoolers.
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 July 10 and 17 at 5:00 pm for JFamily Tot Shabbat, a musical start to Shabbat.
Capital Camps invites you to join for Shabbat or Havdalah on alternating weekends (starting Saturday, June 27 at 8:30 pm for Havdalah).

Weekly Story Times:

- Community Story Time & Show and Tell: Tuesdays at 9:30 am (Bender JCC)
- Community Story Time & Show and Tell: Wednesdays at 11:00 am (Bender JCC)

Resources

Sign up for free PJ Library books for kids newborn-8 years old

PJ Our Way kids reading Sign up for free chapter books for kids 8.5-12 years old

Check out the PJ Library in Greater Washington blog!

Federation and PJ Library are highlighting ideas to get you through a summer like no other. It is a true paradox that there is both “nothing to do” and too much out there to sort through. We are here to help! Here are some summer family activities, along with the Jewish values that inspire each one.

“Judaism Values” Cards for Families

What We Are Reading

FROM THE JEWISH FEDERATION

Federation’s Summer at Home Family Fun Guide

Federation and PJ Library are highlighting ideas to get you through a summer like no other. It is a true paradox that there is both “nothing to do” and too much out there to sort through. We are here to help! Here are some summer family activities, along with the Jewish values that inspire each one. Download a PDF of the guide

Jconnections
At a time when many in our Greater Washington Jewish community need more assistance and support than ever before, Federation presents Jconnections, a platform created to connect those who need support with those who want to help. Whatever your current situation, we invite you to explore the easily accessible resources, curated volunteer opportunities, and simple tools needed to create and mobilize volunteer groups in acts of loving kindness.

Connect with Purpose with Your Grandchildren

The relationship you have with your grandchild(ren) need not suffer a setback in these unsettling times. Here are some suggestions for bringing your family together.

Connect with Purpose During COVID-19 Resource Center on Jconnect.

FROM PJ LIBRARY

7 Summer Crafts Your Kids Can Make on Their Own

These 7 activities are easy for kids to do on their own – or with an older sibling supervising –and are sure to excite the curious, independent learners in your life.

More Veggies, Please!

Squash can be found in abundance over the summer, and these oven-fried zucchini sticks will encourage even the pickiest eaters to dig right in. Extra bonus: Kids can help make them!

Make Your Own Rosh Hashanah Cards

This year, the first night of Rosh Hashanah is on Friday, September 18. Get into the mood by creating cards to send to friends and loved ones.

Get a 20-Minute Break from Your Kids

PJ Library’s award-winning podcast is the perfect break for you and enjoyment for your kids! Every episode of Have I Got a Story for You! takes a classic Jewish folktale and gives it a modern twist. Explore the episodes and find related activities to keep the fun going.

PJ Library Resources for Quarantined Families
These resources for families who are staying home include recipes for cooking with kids, activities for learning languages, hands-on crafts, podcasts, and more.

PJ OUR WAY

August’s PJ Our Way Books

Check out the four fantastic books offered for August selection! Rosetta and her family welcome a teen war refugee into their Montreal home, while 13-year-old Nat gets more than he bargained for when he’s recruited to play professional soccer in England. Zelly’s ready to do whatever it takes to get a dog, and David must show courage in the face of Denmark’s Nazi occupation. Find your next great read! Remember to choose your book by August 10th!

Join the PJ Our Way National Design Team
Know a creative kid who loves reading books, making videos, and writing blog posts? Applications for the National Design Team open August 15th! Team members get early access to PJ Our Way books, create original projects, build skills, and meet other kids from all different regions. All PJ Our Way kids from the US and Canada are invited to apply! Contact mailto:designteam@pjourway.org for more information.