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Share the joys of being a PJ Library Family with your friends!
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In Your Mailbox | |
April Adventures!
Each PJ Library book has a dedicated page on the new PJ website. On each book page, you will find a short synopsis, information about the authors and illustrators, the parent reading guide, and related links.
Ages 6 Months to 2 Years:
Let's Visit Israel
Ages 2 to 3 Years:
Ella's First Trip to Israel
Ages 3 to 4 Years:
Noah's Bark
Ages 4 to 5 Years:
Chicken Man
Ages 5 to 6 Years:
Bagels from Benny
Ages 6 to 7 Years:
Fievel's Flying Horses
To see reading guides for each of these books, please visit http://www.pjlibrary.org, follow link to:
booksandmusic/all, and click on the book's image.
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"Papa PJ" would love to hear from you! | |
Passover is a happy holiday, when family gets together and shares good times and good food. We're attaching a page-to-color that shows a family celebrating Passover.
If your children would like to wish our founder, Harold Grinspoon, a happy Passover, we're attaching a page they can color and send to "Grandpa Harold."
[Passover Picture]
Perhaps your little artists can also tell how they feel about the PJ Library books which help them understand the Jewish holidays in an entertaining way.
Please send your child's picture and comments to Harold Grinspoon c/o Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley 14855 Oka Road Los Gatos, CA. 95032. We will be happy to forward the letter on to him. |
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| Greetings! |
Pesach is Coming
It's hard to believe (in the midst of all these pre-April showers) that spring and sunshine will ever come again! But it is the indomitable spirit of the human heart to hold the memory of warm days and happy times to tide us over until the weather clears and we can dash outside to enjoy all the gifts of beauty and life that surround us.
 As we move toward the holiday of Pesach -- with its powerful story of initiative, strength, commitment, perseverence, and success -- let us remember that the rain nourishes plants as the our heritage nourishes our hearts, and that we have always moved from the darkness of tyranny into the light of freedom and hope.
May your holiday be happy, your Seder scrumptious, your family gatherings festive and fun, and your pride in your identity be strong. We are so pleased you share yourselves and your family with our PJ Library community, and always look forward to finding new ways to celebrate!
B'Shalom,
Rabbi Leslie and Eleanor |
| Asking Questions . . . Lots of Questions! |
A Teaching Moment from Rabbi Alexander
Isador I. Rabi, the Nobel Laureate in Physics, was asked what encouraged him to become a scientist. He answered that his mother made him a scientist without ever intending it. Many other mothers would ask the typical question after school "what did you learn today?" But his mother didn't do that. She followed the path of thousands of years of Jewish tradition and asked a different question instead: "Did you ask a good question today?" That difference, Rabi said, made him become a scientist.
(exerpted fromthe A Different Night Haggadah by Noam Zion and David Dishon)
Most children are, by nature, questioners and learners. They continue to be so throughout life unless their creativity and inquisitiveness is quashed by others as they grow up.
In Judaism, asking questions, even challenging questions, is seen as a very positive thing. In our tradition, we see this model in all of Rabbinic Literature, particularly in the Talmud. Give and take, argument and discussion are the way that religious decisions are made. Questioning is how we grow and gain in scholarship and understanding. Questioning is how we put ideas and beliefs to the test. If they are worthy, they will stand the test, allowing those who are free to question the choice to deepen commitment based on understanding. Judaism has always believed that openly asking questions and finding positive answers makes us stronger.
The Passover Seder deliberately includes many questions within the text to stimulate the thought process of children and adults alike. The Seder experience leads to questions and discussions that keep the Exodus and the Jewish historical experience alive, fresh and relevant to each generation.
There are many fun ways to add opportunities for asking questions at the Seder beyond the "Mah Nishtana," the Four Questions. One Haggadah suggests that Seder guests go around the table, each asking a question they have about the Seder, the Exodus and/or Passover in general. Who knows what conversation might begin when someone else around the table knows an answer!
Another Haggadah suggests that, after asking "Why is this night different?" the host can pose another question of each guest: "How are you different this year than in previous years." This is a great way for everybody to catch up with one another. Both of these additional questions can be phrased appropriately for children.
Have a fun and meaningful Pesach, the holiday of our freedom. Enjoy the traditions and time together. Remember that being able to question is an important aspect of freedom.
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| Preparing for Passover! | |
Passover begins this year on Monday evening, April 18. Even though every family has its own Passover traditions, it's always nice to find new creative holiday ideas, recipes, plays, books, and games to enrich your holiday experience.
Passover Activities
The PJ Library's Passover page offers a long list of fun, family Passover activities and learning resources.
Visit the Passover Page on PJLibrary.org
Passover-Related PJ Books
Looking for some Passover-related books for children? The new PJ Library website provides a list of great titles.
See a List of Passover-Related PJ Books
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| Moshe, Matza and the Mountain at Shir Hadash | |
April 6, 2011 | 4:00 to 5:30 pm
Congregation Shir Hadash | 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos
We are eagerly looking forward to leading you on a special "Exodus" on the grounds of Congregation Shir Hadash in Los Gatos.
Join us for a special "Passover Passage" designed for children 3-5 (siblings welcome, of course). Help us recreate the exciting time of the Exodus.
Build Pharoah's storehouses in Egypt from cardboard boxes. Set Moshe afloat in his little reed boat on the river. Wander through the "desert" near the synagogue. Meet Pharoah on his throne, and Moshe at Mt. Sinai. And, of course, enjoy stories, songs, and a special snack.
We can guarantee a fabulous time for all!
Advance registration is mandatory! Please RSVP to
http://www.jvalley.org/events/2011/4/6/moshe-matza-and-the-mountain
See flyer.
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| Moshe Receives the Torah: A Shavuot Celebration | |
Sunday, May 1, 9:30 to 11:00 am
Congregation Emeth | 17835 Monterey Street, Morgan Hill, CA
We're planning a fun event in South County in May to celebrate the Giving of the Torah, our Shavuot holiday.
In collaboration with Congregation Emeth's Religious School, PJ Library will evoke the drama of the Exodus, celebrating Moses' leadership, God's special care of his chosen people, and the joyous celebration at Mount Sinai when Moses brings the Ten Commandments to the Israelites.
Sign up soon at http://www.jvalley.org/events/2011/5/1/the-pj-library-program-celebrates-shavuot-at-congregation-emeth
See you in Morgan Hill for a morning of learning and laughter!
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| March Events Drew Happy Attendees | |
Westgate Shopping Mall Mommy and Me
 In an indoor courtyard at Westgate Shopping Center, large crowds of parents and young children gather the second Wednesday of the month to enjoy songs, craft activities, snacks, and other entertainments. PJ Library enjoyed participating in this activity in March as a way of introducing our fabulous program to our diverse community. We helped children create a paper-plate "gragger" (a noisemaker filled with beans) to celebrate the holiday of Purim. Kids were lined up with their moms eager to get the gragger and decorate it with stickers, markers, and crayons. We also gave the parents a bookmark describing the meaning of the Purim holiday. Thanks to our volunteers Joan Abrams, Elaine Hamilton, and Daniela Silverstein for meeting, greeting, making and sharing, and helping make the event a success!
A Regional PJ Library Event
at the Contemporary Jewish Museum
On Sunday March 13th the PJ Library of the Silicon Valley joined together with the PJ Library of the East Bay and of San Francisco, Marin,Sonoma and the Peninsula to hold a PJ Library event in cooperation with the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco.
This was the first Bay Area wide event held since the PJ Library began locally. The program was held on the last day of the Curious George exhibit at the museum and included the opportunity do an age appropriate scavenger hunt within the exhibit, meet Curious George in person, hear a concert with the wonderful kids musical group Octopretzel, do a craft project making a Purim mask and shadow puppet, and, of course, hear PJ Library Books in our own designated book nook. Each PJ Library child left the event with a special Curious George/PJ Library banana as a snack!
It was great to see several familiar faces of Silicon Valley families amongst the 75 or more PJ Library participants that day. It was a lovely time, despite the rain, and Curious George didn't get wet at all, but he DID get a lot of PJ Library hugs!
(Photo of Sonja Lippman, a PJ Library reader.) |
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Activities for Children in Our Community | |
Events listed here are open to the entire community.
(Membership in the organization/synagogue is not required.)
Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Life and Learning
(408) 357-7492
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Chocolate Seder: April 10, 2011 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
During this narrative-based family seder, we will learn about the Exodus story, sing Passover songs, and, most importantly, eat lots of chocolate! This is one family event that is 100% melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Space is limited; RSVP by Monday, April 4th. JCC Members: $20 per family up to five people, $3 for each additional person. Non-Members: $30 per family up to five people, $4 for each additional person. For more information or to RSVP, contact Elizabeth at 408.357.7417 or Elizabeth@svjcc.org.
Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center PreSchool - Los Gatos
408) 357-7417
Congregation Beth David - Saratoga
(408) 257-3333
- Religious School Ganon: Sundays 10:45 am -12:30 pm through May 22, 2011. For 3-4 year olds (potty trained). Ganon is wonderful way for your child to enjoy Jewish Art, music, dance, holiday celebrations and become comfortable engaging with the Jewish community. Beth David Membership is not required for Ganon. Cost: $250 for the entire year. Contact: Religiousschool@beth-david.org.
- Tot Shabbat: Saturday mornings, 11:00 am -12:00 pm. [Apr 9, 23] For kids ages 0-5. Cost: Free, open to all. A fun and interactive parent-led service for babies, toddlers, and preschool kids. Open to the whole community. Tot Shabbat includes singing, storytelling, and a Kiddush snack. Contact Lori Kan, lori.kahn@sbcglobal.net
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Haverim Services: Saturdays, 10:30 AM. This child-friendly Shabbat service for Kindergarten - 3rd graders includes songs, lots of movement, discussion of traditions and values gleaned from weekly torah portion or holiday, stories and Kiddush with treats. Parents always welcome to join.
Contact: Iris Bendahan, bendahan@beth-david.org. -
Shabbat Mishpaha April 1, 2011 - 6:30 PM
Join us for a fun, energetic Shabbat experience geared towards families with kids. This service is filled with songs, story and dance, and has something for everyone. We look forward to celebrating Shabbat with you. Contact: Iris Bendahan.
Congregation Emeth - Morgan Hill
(408) 778-8200
- Tot Shabbat: Saturdays, 10:30 am. Mini-Shabbat rituals, storytime, picnic and playtime in the park for families with preschool children and babies. RSVP to admin@emeth.net.
Congregation Shir Hadash - Los Gatos(408) 358-1751 Unless otherwise noted, contact Robin Adelman, Director of the Shir Hadash Early Childhood Center at robin@shirhadash.org.
- A Magic Family Circus: Sunday, April 3rd, 2011, 4:30-6:30 pm. Shir Hadash Sanctuary. $20 ticket price includes:A children's magic show, wandering circus performers, a light meal, kid's crafts, and a silent auction. This event is perfect for families with preschool age children! Advanced Ticket Sales only. Tickets will NOT be available at the door.`
- Chocolate Seder: April 09, 2011 from 7:00 PM. Join Rabbi Joel Fleekop and Cantor Devorah Felder-Levy for a Passover Seder filled with lots of delicious chocolate, your favorite Passover songs and creative telling of the story of the Exodus from Egypt! See what type of chocolate is used to replace the marror, the harroset, karpas, beitzah and zeroah. The cost for this evening is $5 for an individual or $18 for a family. RVSP by Friday, April 1st. For more information or to RSVP contact Shanda at (408) 3580in2 or Shanda@ShirHadash.org.
- Shir Hadash Tots: Thursdays from 9:00-10:30am. Toddler and parent program for children 15-30 months. New session begins Jan 20.
- Tot Shabbat: Saturday, april 9, 9:30am. Join Rabbi Levenberg and other families with young children for Tot Shabbat, featuring songs and simple prayers, story time, hands-on music, Cuddly Torahs, Fun, Friends, Oneg Snack. Free and open to the community. Contact: Rabbi Lisa Levenberg, rabbilevenberg@shirhadash.org
- No-Shush Family Shabbat: Friday, April 1, 30pm. Designed for elementary school aged children and their families. Camp-style music led by guitarist Angela Gold. A 'hands-free siddur.' A story, birthday blessings, and quiz show style game. Service is preceded by an affordable, family friendly dinner at 5:45 pm. Everyone is welcome.
Congregation Sinai - San Jose (408) 264-8542
- Torah for Tots: April 2 and 16, 2011 [first and third Saturdays of the month], 11:00 am-noon, Social Hall. Child-friendly parent-led Shabbat service for children 5 and under. Singing, stories, movement activities. Sinai membership not required. Info: torahfortots@sinai-sj.org.
- Ima and Me: Wednesdays, 9-10 am in the Sinai Nursery School Red Room. For families with children three and under. Open to the community. Free. Led by Debbie Lewis. Info: imaandme@sinai-sj.org.
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Community 2nd Night Passover Seder: April 19, 2011, 7:30 PM.
Sinai's annual second night Seder will be led by Rabbi Josh Berkenwald. Join us to re-experience the exodus from Egypt with a participatory and interactive program and a delicious catered kosher-for-Passover meal catered by Lucy Fried (vegetarian option available by pre-request). $38 for adults, $20 for children (6 to 12), free for children 5 and under. Seating is limited and will be filled on a first-come basis. Kindly RSVP by Monday, April 11 by calling the Sinai office at 408-264-8542 or visiting the Sinai website www.sinai-sj.org for online registration. All are welcome.
Jewish Family Services Silicon Valley - Los Gatos
(408) 556-0600
- JFS SV offers parenting classes throughout the year. Contact Lizi Oceransky for more information.
South Peninsula Hebrew Day School - Sunnyvale
(408) 738-3060
- Parent and Me: free play, art, circle time, parent discussions for parents and children 18-30 months. With teachers Renee Ben David and Tami Mazor. Enriching Playtime Experiences:Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 am in Preschool Room One. Individual sessions: $25 per session. Info: ece@sphds.org.
Temple Emanu-El - San Jose
(408) 292-0939
- Tot Shabbat and Potluck: April 15, 6:00pm. Led by Rabbi Magat and Cantor Simerly, featuring songs, short story, and a talk with the Rabbi. For the Potluck, please bring a dish based on the first letter of your last name- A-P:Salad, Fruit, or Side Dish Q-Z:Main Dish. Contact: Lisa Sobel, admin@templesanjose.org
- Mishpacha Sheli: April 10. A Pre-K Family Education Program, Monthly on Sundays, 10:15 am - 12:30 pm through May 2011. for Pre-K children and their parents. FEES: $90 for Emanu-El members; $135 for community members. Contact Beth Roellig at school@templesanjose.org.
Yavneh Day School - Los Gatos
(408) 984-6700 |
| For More Information | |
For more information about the PJ Library® Program and our role, please visit
http://www.jvalley.org/pj-library
General Inquiries:
(408) 357-7509
Rabbi Leslie Alexander, Program Director (408) 357-7509
Eleanor Weber Dickman, Outreach Coordinator (408) 255-3109 |
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