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Share the joys of being a PJ Library Family with your friends!
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In Your Mailbox | |
February Fun!
(6 months to 2 years)
Nosh, Schlep, Schluff
(Laurel Snyder)
(Ages 2 to 3)
Joseph Had a Little Overcoat (Simms Tabak)
(Ages 3 to 4)
Sammy Spider's First Purim (Sylvia Rouss)
(Ages 4 to 5)
The Shabbat Box
(Leslie Simpson)
(Ages 5 to 6)
Cakes and Miracles
(Barbara Diamond Goldin)
(Ages 6 to 7)
Raisel's Riddle
(Erica Silverman)
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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| Greetings! |
The Joy of Being Part of The PJ Library
We've had a busy winter with lots of enjoyable events, and February is bound to be no different. Be sure to look at all the activities for kids on tap for the month: those sponsored by PJ Library, those sponsored by our Constituent Partners, and those we are collaborating on.
We're delighted to report that "PJ Library Programs" are building a reputation for high quality, engaging and enjoyable events. PJ events are well known, much loved, and very appealing. Folks are signing up in large numbers (which makes advance reservations a must -- just so we can have enough food and crafts on hand for your little ones).
We're also moving full speed ahead into our third year as a PJ Library community! Those of you who joined us at our beginning (December 2008) will be entering your third year of receiving free books and CDs. For third-year families, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation requires an "opt-in" sign-up to keep these gifts coming. You will be receiving notices from the National office of The PJ Library asking you to actively re-join. And, when you do, why not take a moment to let PJL and Harold Grinspoon know that how much you appreciate and enjoy this fabulous program.
Just say YES!
And, of course, pass this opportunity along to your friends and neighbors and your chldren's schoolmates. They'll be glad you did!
Thank you!
B'Shalom,
Rabbi Leslie and Eleanor
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| Thank You Todah Rabah Merci Gracias . . . |
A Teaching Moment from Rabbi Alexander:
Saying Thank You
Are you a "morning person"? Do you bound out of bed "bright eyed and bushy tailed" after dawn, ready to take on the day and engage happily with the people you encounter. Or, are you a bit crabby, and more likely to say "what's good about it?" as a response to "good morning."
There is a Jewish prayer made especially to help us greet the day with joy and thanksgiving. The "Modeh (or Modah) Ani" prayer that says thank you to God:
"Modeh ani lifanekha melekh ḥai v'kayam sheheḥezarta bi nishmahti b'ḥemlah, rabah emunatekha," which means, "I offer thanks before you, living and eternal God, for You have mercifully restored my soul within me; Your faithfulness is great."
Modeh Ani is said first thing in the morning, sometimes when we are still in bed. It is short and simple and reminds us that we need to get past any morning grumpiness by saying appropriate Thank Yous for being alive and able to experience a new day.
I love that "Thank You" is supposed to be our first utterance of the day. Saying Thank You is something that does not occur enough in our society.
I recently read an article that says that fewer and fewer people say "thank you" or "you're welcome." I didn't believe it, so whenever I went to the grocery store one week, NOT ONE clerk (at three different places) said thank you. One even ignored me altogether as she rang me up, talking to a colleague instead.
Parents expend a lot of energy trying to teach their children to say "thank you" when he or she receives something. I know you work hard at instilling a feeling of gratefulness. You want to teach your child not just to expect things, but to embrace a sense of pure joy and gratitude when great things happen.
(Check out the websites at left that deal with this topic.)
I would like to ask you for another "Thank You." A man named Harold Grinspoon began the PJ Library program and funds the majority of it nationwide. ( see the site for the article about him included in this newsletter) We know that your children are grateful for the gift of their free monthly PJ Library books. Would they like to write to Mr. Grinspoon and/or draw a picture for him to say thank you. We know that he would LOVE it.
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.
THANK YOU!!!!
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| Mesibah at the JCC with PJ Library |
 In delightful collaboration with the APJCC's Center for Jewish Life and Learning and Preschool, PJ Library is delighted to be participating on a monthly basis in the JCC's new program for young families: "Mesibah: Family Fun Day."
On Monday, February 7, from 3-5pm, PJ Library will be participating in the APJCC Preschool's Mesibah program celebrating Shabbat. Kids will create their own challah covers, decorate a kippah, make a beautiful window hanging, and 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. Bring your child(ren) and have some fun! The program is FREE. See flyer. |
| PJs and Pancakes and Pillows, Oh My! | |
PJs, Pancakes, and Pillows
Temple Emanu-El
1010 University Avenue, San Jose
Tuesday, February 8, 5:30pm - 7pm
We are almost at capacity for this event, and there is space for only 10 more children. We will not be able to accept "walk-ins", so you MUST register by 3 pm, Monday, Feb 7, if you plan to attend, so that we have enough food, crafts supplies and readers.
Come in pajamas, bring your favorite blanket or pillow, and get ready to enjoy a pancake supper, happy bedtime stories and songs and a craft activity (make your very own fleece pillow to take home.)
Parents, come ready to snuggle up and choose a book to read with your child(ren).
See flyer.
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| JL at CJM | |
March 13, 2010, 9:45 am to noon
Contemporary Jewish Museum
736 Mission Street (betw. 3rd and 4th Streets), San Francisco
 Curious George, the impish monkey protagonist of many adventures, may never have seen the light of day if it were not for the determination and courage of his creators, the illustrator H. A. Rey (1898-1977) and his wife, author and artist Margret Rey (1906-1996). Born in Hamburg to Jewish families, they lived together in Paris from 1936 to 1940. Hours before the Nazis marched into Paris in June 1940, the Reys fled on bicycles, carrying drawings for their children's stories including one about a mischievous monkey, then named Fifi.
Listen to best-loved stories at the PJ Library Story Nook, and then tour the Curious George exhibition, which features nearly 80 original drawings of the beloved monkey and other characters, preparatory dummy books, vintage photographs, and documentation related to the Reys' escape from Nazi Europe, as well as a specially designed reading room for visitors of all ages. Create an imaginative mask, move to the groove of Octopretzel, and enjoy a special appearance by Curious George himself!
More details on the Museum's Site.
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| Mommy and Me at Westgate | |
Wednesday, March 16. 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 craft activity and storytellers will be on hand to entertain little listeners.
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| Summer Camp Scholarships for First Time Campers | |
We are delighted to announce that for the second year running, The Harold Grinspoon Foundation, through The PJ Library, wants to make the magic of camp possible for more Jewish children. In partnership with the National Foundation for Jewish Camp, The PJ Library is delighted to bring PJ Goes to Camp to our community, offering incentive grants of up to $1,000 to families who wish to enroll their children in a non-profit Jewish overnight camp for the first time.
This offer is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Who?
- First-time campers
- PJ Library subscribers who enrolled in the program on or before Sept. 1, 2010
- Siblings of currently eligible PJ Library subscribers
- All PJ Library alumni
When?
- Summer 2011 camp sessions
Where?
How Much?
- Up to $1,000 for a 3+ week session; $700 for a 2 week session (for camps located in the 13 Western States.)
Three important websites:
- 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
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:
- Feb 7th from 3-5pm: Celebrating the month of Adar I
- 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 February 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. - PJ Shabbat: Friday, Feb 18, 6:00pm. Mini Kabbalat Shabbat services with songs, stories, and a kid-friendly dinner. Kids can come in PJs. $10 per adult, $2 per child (children under 3 are free). Please RSVP by the Wednesday before.
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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, Feb 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
- Grandparent Circle: Sunday, Feb 27, 1pm. Discussion group for grandparents with interfaith grandchildren.
- 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.
Congregation Sinai - San Jose (408) 264-8542
- Torah for Tots: Feb 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.
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
- PJs, Pancakes and Pillows:
- Tot Shabbat and Potluck
- Mishpacha Sheli: Sunday, Feb 13. A Pre-K Family Education Program, 9 Sundays, 10:15 am - 12:30 pm through May 2011 for Pre-K children and their parents. FEES: $135 for community members; Contact Beth Roellig at school@templesanjose.org.
- Catered Shabbat Dinner: Friday, Feb 25. Services 6:30pm. Dinner 7:30pm. Fee.
Friday, Feb 18. The third Friday of each month, 6:00 - 7:00 pm -- Jan 21 and Feb 18. 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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