Here’s the Story – The PJ Library in Greater Washington Blog
PJ Library Blog
Using Sukkot to Teach Hospitality
It seems hard to believe, but we are only halfway through the fall holidays! Up next is Sukkot (festival of booths). Beginning on Sunday night, many Jewish families will enjoy meals, and even sleepovers, outdoors in temporary homes called sukkot (the singular is a sukkah), inviting others to join them. The practice of inviting others […]
How Do You Measure a Year?
It’s the start of a new year — both a new school year and a Jewish new year! We hope the transition from summer fun to fall routines has been smooth for you. We typically spend the month of August preparing both mentally and physically for a new school year by adjusting bedtimes, finishing required […]
How Two Jewish Holidays Teach Resilience
Resilience is a key predictor of adult success, but it is an elusive concept to explain, especially to children. There are examples of it when you encourage your child to dust themselves off and get back on their bike, or when the birthday party plans were rained out and you had to switch to Option […]
Finding Joy in Simple Summer Pleasures
“Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement…get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed.” –Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel Kids understand “radical amazement” instinctively. They […]
Pride and Solidarity
At a time when our world feels more fractured than ever, I remember that there is support and allyship in our community. The ways in which our world needs repairing and healing seem overwhelming, but you are not alone. Nor are you solely responsible for mending what is broken — that’s an obligation we each […]
Celebrating Moments As Well As Holidays
I recently joined a gathering of PJ Library professionals where we delved into the Shehecheyanu — a blessing for reaching a special occasion or experiencing something for the first time ever or the first time that year (see below). Especially resonant to me was the discussion about the prayer’s focus on appreciating a moment in […]
Bringing Intention to Your Passover Planning
If the walls of matzah boxes at the supermarket are any indication, Passover is coming up very soon! In between the menu or travel planning and spring cleaning, taking the time now to bring intention to your seder (the ritual meal) and planning to create a fun and interactive experience that will make it accessible […]
At a Passover and Easter Impasse? Ideas for Interfaith Families
This year, the start of Passover and Easter both fall on the same weekend, which creates challenges, but also opportunities, for interfaith families. Both holidays are important for their respective religions and can thereby create tension. Here are some tips to help you navigate these two holidays with forethought and intention: Communicate with Your Partner […]
How PJ Library Helps Me Learn, Too
PJ Library books are ostensibly sent to your children but, really, they’re for the grown-ups, too. Have you learned something new from reading a PJ book with your child? Maybe a holiday tradition or a piece of history you didn’t know? Did a book give you insight into a specific Jewish practice or inspire you […]
Weaving Our Strength By Design
In Judaism, there are many ritual objects that weave distinct strands to create a stronger whole. The three (or more!) strands of a challah, the multiple wicks of a braided Havdalah candle used to end Shabbat, and the knotted tzitzit (tassels) at the corners of a tallit (Jewish prayer shawl) all convey that we are […]