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Share the joys of being a PJ Library Family with your friends!
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In Your Mailbox | |
March Mirth!
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-2:
Afikomen Mambo
Ages 2-3:
Hoppy Passover
Ages 3-4:
Kippi and the Missing Matzah
Ages 4-5:
The Little Red Hen and the Passover Matzah
Ages 5-6:
Passover Magic
Ages 6-7:
Mrs. Katz and Tush
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! | |
What kind of difference have the PJ Library books made in your child's life?
If your child wanted to show how much s/he loved PJ Library books, what would s/he draw?
We would love to have Harold Grinspoon, the founder of The PJ Library program, to know what impact his efforts have made on you and your child.
Send us drawings (with captions if you can), and we'll forward them on to Grandpa Harold. He'll be soooo happy!
Please send your letter/picture 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! |
"Be Happy! It's Adar"
The Hebrew month of Adar is known as "the season of our joy."
So imagine our delight when there are TWO months of Adar! Why the second month? Well, the Jewish calendar uses a 12-month lunar calendar, with an extra month occasionally added at the end of the year in order to keep the holidays in their correct seasons. That's sort of like when we add a 29th day to the month of February every four years. When the second month is added, it is in that Adar II that Purim is celebrated. Whatever! Enjoy! Enjoy double! Two Adars! A season to have fun! To look forward to spring! To jump into the Purim experience! Make costumes with your kids. Hug your little Esthers and toddling Mordechais. Make Mishloach Manot (gift goodie baskets) and share these tasty delights with friends. Whirl the growling graggers in the synagogue as the name of Haman is read, and shout for joy when Esther triumphs. Take the leap! Leap into Purim! Leap into Joy!
B'Shalom,
Rabbi Leslie and Eleanor |
| Purim is Coming! |
Purim is March 19 and 20 this year. Need an idea for a 10-minute costume? Want a hamantaschen recipe? Want to know which PJ Library books are best for the holiday?
The PJ Library's Purim page offers a long list of fun family Purim activities and learning resources.
Purim-Related PJ Books
Want to know more about Purim-related books for children? The new PJ website provides a list of great titles.
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| Standing Up For Who You Are |
If you search for "Jewish Pride" on the Internet, you will be led to a list that is 23,650,000 items long! We have a lot to be proud of! Postings range from sports commentators celebrating Jewish athletic ability, to religious leaders advocating adherence to the 613 commandments, to the many Jewish names on lists of Nobel prizewinners.
There are so many ways we can instill a sense of Jewish pride in our children! We can teach love for our own history, religion, and culture. We can develop respect for Jewish diversity, and appreciation for the traditions of others. Each day can be an opportunity for both us and our children to learn and experience more reasons for both being and doing Jewish!
This month, we celebrate a holiday which instills great pride in Our People -- Purim: the story of the triumph of Esther and Mordechai; the education of Ahashverosh; the defeat of the malicious Haman. With what delight do we applaud Esther who stood up for herself and her people! With what relish do we drown out the name of Haman, who stood only for hate!
 Purim reminds us to celebrate pride in our identity, our strength in standing up for who you are and what we believe, and our joy in acting in solidarity with our fellow Jews.
How can we give our children this pride, this strength, this joy? Educator Michele Borba, Ed.D. gives us "seven essential virtues that teach kids to do the right thing."
- Know what you stand for so your kids also know -- share your "moral code" with your children.
- "Walk your talk" -- Practice the moral behaviors you want your children to emulate.
- Share your beliefs and take stands. Give your kids an example of moral courage for them to follow.
- Ask moral questions to stretch moral development. Don't preach. Ask your kids to ask "Is this the right thing to do?"
- Boost empathy by asking your children to think about how other people feel, and use role playing to teach them how to see things from different angles.
- Reinforce moral assertiveness -- encourage them to be comfortable standing up for what is right.
- Give your children the self-confidence and moral strength to resist peer pressure and maintain their beliefs.
Hazak, hazak v'nit hazeyk! Be strong, be strong, and we will strengthen one another!
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| Mommy and Me at Westgate | |
Wednesday, March 9, 2011 - 10am to noon
Westgate Shopping Mall - 1600 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose
Come to the Mall for a fun, free morning with games, puppet shows, face painting, balloon artists and educational programs designed to enhance parent's interaction with their children.
PJ Library will have a table for a Purim craft activity and storytellers will be on hand to entertain little listeners.
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PJL Celebrates Purim with Curious George | |
March 13, 2010, 9:45 am to noon
Contemporary Jewish Museum
736 Mission Street (betw. 3rd and 4th Streets), San Francisco
Join us at the Contemporary Jewish Museum for a special Preschool Gallery Hour. We'll be celebrating Curious George and the bravery of his creators, authors and illustrators H.A. Rey.
Be sure to enjoy these highlights: "Octopretzel" performers; the "Curious George" Exhibit and meeting the little monkey in person; best-loved Purim stories in the PJ Library Story Nook; a craft activity to create an imaginative Purim-inspired puppet mask, and snacks and closing activities in our special PJ Library room.
RSVP: Advance registration necessary:
http://www.jvalley.org/events/2011/3/13/pjl-meets-curious-george
See flyer.
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| Mesibah at the JCC with PJ Library |
"Mesibah" Family Fun Day
Monday, March 14th | 3:00-5:00pm
A-PJCC
Mesibah is the Hebrew word for party! Children ages 2-10 years and their parents or caregivers are invited to join us for a party to celebrate the start of the Jewish month of Adar II. We'll sing and dance, make art projects and play games, bounce and run with our friends, and enjoy some healthy snacks.
Best of all, enjoy a story time -- thanks to PJ Library volunteers who will be on hand to read stories to the children and to introduce PJ Library to new families.
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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
Join us for a special "Passover Passage" designed for children 3-5 (siblings welcome, of course). Recreate the exciting time of the Exodus. Help build Pharoah's storehouses. Set Moshe afloat in his little reed boat on the river. Meet Moshe at Mt. Sinai. And, of course, enjoy stories, songs, and snacks to celebrate the end of the "Exodus."
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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| What Fun We Had at Temple Emanu-El! | |
PJs, Pancakes, and Pillows
Tuesday, February 8, 5:30pm - 7pm
Food, festivities and fun!
Eating pancakes in pajamas.
Listening to PJ Library books in cozy reading nooks.
Singing with Cantor Meeka Simerly
Making little fleece 'n' flannel pillows
. . . What a wonderful event!
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| PJL Founder Harold Grinspoon Visits Silicon Valley | |
 The visionary PJ Library founder, Harold Grinspoon, visited Silicon Valley in January to meet personally with community membrs interested in the program. At a reception held in the home of PJ Library Professional, Rabbi Leslie Alexander, Mr. Grinspoon learned about the strong and positive reception with which PJ Library program has been met by the families of the more than 700 children who receive a PJ Library book every month from Mr. Grinspoon's office in Western Massachusetts.
Mr. Grinspoon was very impressed by the dedication of the PJ Library volunteers and comunity supporters, and learned about the special nature of the communities served by The PJ Library Program in Silicon Valley, and the role that our local Federation plays in supporting the programs shared monthly with PJ families. He talked with community advocates about ways to reach new families in the South Bay Jewish community and to create excitement about the program in order to increase enrollment.
Those who attended this meeting enjoyed meeting Mr. Grinspoon and were impressed with his dedication to strengthening Jewish literacy for children.
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| Summer Camp Scholarships for First Time Campers | |
If your family signed up for The PJ Library program before September 2010, you may be eligible for PJ Goes to Camp! [CAMP PICTURE]
The program provides families with up to $1,000 toward the first-time enrollment of a child into a non-profit Jewish overnight camp.
Learn More About PJ Goes to Camp
- www.gijp.org: Read more about eligibility requirements, select About The Institute, then PJ Goes to Camp
- www.jewishcamp.org: Explore this site to find a Jewish camp that best suits your family's needs and your child's interests. Feel free to set up a tour!
- www.onehappycamper.org: Register for PJ Goes to Camp by entering access code PJGTC20111A
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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
- Mishloach Manot Making Purim Party: March 17, 3:00-5:00pm. Come gather with other JCC families to share ideas, hamentashen, and good company while you make your mishloach manot. Please bring a dozen of your favorite goodies (store bought or home-made) to share. Arts and crafts supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own, as well. This program is FREE. For more information, contact Jenessa Schwartz at jenessa@svjcc.org or 408.357.7411.
Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center PreSchool - Los Gatos
408) 357-7417
- Mesibah: Family Fun Days: Celebrate the start of each new month in the Jewish calendar. (Mesibah is the Hebrew word for party!) We'll sing and dance, make art projects and play games, bounce and run with our friends. This FREE program for children ages 2-10 years is presented in collaboration with The PJ Library Program. Healthy snacks, Fun and educational activities, Storytime, Art projects, Bounce houses, Performances and much more..... For more information contact the APJCC Preschool at 408.357.7417 or elizabeth@svjcc.org. Upcoming dates, times and topics:
- March 14th from 3-5pm: Celebrating the month of Adar II
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. [Feb 12, 26] 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: March 12, 2011 - 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 March 04, 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.
- 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, March 12, 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, March 4, 6:30pm. 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.
- A Magic Family Circus: April 3, 2011 begins 4:30pm in the 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.
Congregation Sinai - San Jose (408) 264-8542
- Torah for Tots: March 5 and 19, 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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Purim Puppet Show and Costume Parade: March 20, 2011 from 11:00 AM
Kids of all ages will enjoy this silly Purim tale. A grand costume parade for kids and adults will follow. The Puppet Show will be followed by Sinai's Purim Carnival and Persian Barbecue from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. Free. All are welcome. Come in costume.
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: March 18, 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: A Pre-K Family Education Program, 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.
- Catered Shabbat Dinner: Services 6:30pm. Dinner 7:30pm. Fee. Friday, Mar 18. The third Friday of each month. Welcome shabbat with Rabbi Magat and Cantor Simerly. Potluck dinner at the Temple House follows services. Bring a dish to share with 8-10 people. Info: Drew Barkley, drew@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
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