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The Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley |
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Share the joys of being a PJ Library Family with your friends!
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In Your Mailbox | |
June Jollity!
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:
Goodnight Sh'ma
Ages 2 to 3 Years:
Naamah and the Ark at Night
Ages 3 to 4 Years:
I Love Camp!
Ages 4 to 5 Years:
Say Hello, Lily
Ages 5 to 6 Years:
Noah's Swim-a-Thon
Ages 6 to 7 Years:
Picnic at Camp Shalom
To see reading guides for each of these books, please visit http://www.pjlibrary.org/books-and-music/all-books.aspx
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More Resources for Shavuot from PJ Library's National Website | |
Shavuot is Here!
Next up on the Jewish calendar is harvest time. Shavuot was originally an ancient harvest festival, and it is now celebrated as the time when the Torah was given on Mount Sinai.
Shavuot begins the evening of Tuesday, June 7. Check our PJ Shavuot books and activities to enrich your family celebration.
Speaking of harvest, PJ Library is sending out a whole new "crop" of books this month, and they are full of summer camp stories! Whether summer camp is a tradition in your family or just a future consideration, we hope you'll enjoy reading about the summer camp adventures of Noah, Sami, Carly, and Sarah.
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| Greetings! | |
The Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer!
Well, it's hard to tell what season it is -- with the dull days, dark clouds, and cold temperatures. But we're confident that summer will soon be on its way. School is ending, and it will be time to find fun activities for your kids for summertime enjoyment.
Please remember to look out for PJ Library programs, which will happen in the coming months. It's a great time to strengthen friendships and stay in touch with our Jewish community.
Take these opportunities to bring a new friend and her children with you to our events. We'll be happy to welcome them.
B'Shalom,
Rabbi Leslie and Eleanor
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Float Night | |
Wednesday, June 22, 2011 | 4:00-5:00 pm
At the APJCC Pool
The Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center is sponsoring a "Float Night Pool Party and Barbecue" from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Poolside on the Levy Family Campus.
Come an hour early to enjoy a storytime with craft
activities sponsored by PJ Library.
See our flyer for more information.
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PJ Library and Sharone Hadassah Celebrate Israel | |
Thursday, June 23, 2011 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Saratoga Public Library | 13650 Saratoga Ave.
 In collaboration with the Sharone Chapter of Hadassah, PJ Library will be presenting a pictorial "tour" of the Land of Israel focusing on its bounty of fruits as we create a big "Friendship Fruit Bowl" to share. We'll also collaborate on making a mural of other "gifts" from Israel. We will read stories about the Land of Israel and learn a bit about Hadassah's role in keeping people healthy and strong.
Thanks to Sharone Hadassah valued volunteers Jane Jacobson and Bette Emanuel (also our own PJL Steering Committee member!), as well as appreciation to Rebecca Stashower of the Saratoga Public Library, who is working to help us have a successful event at the library.
Please date your calendar to join us for this fun event. [NOTE: The date of this event has been changed. Our earlier date conflilcted with the popular community event, The Silicon Valley Duck Race, sponsored by one of our Constituent Partners, Jewish Services of Silicon Valley.]
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Shavuot: A Celebration of Community | |
A Teaching Moment from Rabbi Alexander
Shavuot, which literally means weeks, is named after the seven-week period in between Passover and Shavuot which is both an agricultural and religious holiday. Agriculturally, Passover marked the Spring planting, and Shavuot, the reaping. Religiously, Passover marked the beginning of freedom and Shavuot marked the time when God gave the Torah, our history and law. The people learned that physical freedom is a beginning, but that law, justice and civil society provide the real freedom.
Most people don't know that one of the many names for the holiday of Shavuot is Yom HaKahal - Community Day, but if we stop to think about it, it really makes sense.
Agriculturally, individual people can plant seeds, but if folks don't work together, it is really hard to complete a harvest.
Religiously, there is no way that the events of the giving of the commandments on Mt. Sinai would have ever occured if community hadn't worked together to reach that moment. The people at the time of the Exodus had human frailties, but also human spirit. They grumbled, they transgressed, but they did help each other. They worked hard to form a people out of a motley large group of freed slaves. They helped each other collect goods in preparation for leaving Egypt. They helped each other cross the Sea of Reeds. They helped each other traverse a wilderness and encounter hostile inhabitants along the way.
Together at Sinai today
When God gave the Torah at Mt. Sinai, God intended the Law to be a compilation of life guidelines that focus on responsibility to the community in addition to just the individual. The people Israel had become ready to take that step from the "I" into the "We."
Everytime we observe Shavout, the tradition says that each of us stood at Sinai, at least symbolically. At the time of this holiday -- whose theme is not only law, but cooperation, not only God, but community -- we have the chance to remind ourselves and our children about the importance of community. The Israelites would not have achieved great things just "looking out for number one." They made a huge impact because they were taught in Torah to care about each other as well.
In our highly individualistic world today, our children need to be reminded that they will become the best that they can be as a person when they take responsibility, reach out to others and care. Torah helps us get there, but our internal spirit, like that of the Israelites, starts us on the right path.
Chag Sameach. Enjoy Shavuot. All the synagogues in our community have wonderful observances. Check them out! |
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| Every Child is Special | |
Friends Across The Spectrum
At Congregation Sinai
July 12, 2011 - 3:00-4:00 pm -- SAVE THE DATE!
The "Ima and Me" program at Congregation Sinai will be collaborating with The PJ Library for an afternoon event geared toward children ages 3-7 across a spectrum of abilities and skills.
This program is being developed by Sinai member and PJ Library committee volunteer Maria-Elena Jarson in collaboration with the synagogue's preschool. We promise a program of joy and fun for all children in our community. Please join us!
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| Moses and the Mountain: Shavuot at Congregation Emeth | |
The sunny Sunday was made even brighter by the enthusiasm, energy, and joy of the preschoolers who came to Congregation Emeth in Morgan Hill for our PJ Library event on May 1. We walked across the Reed Sea with matzohs on our heads, did a relay race for counting the Omer, built the Tabernacle and decorated it with bows, made chocolate covered matzoh (and face-covered chocolate grins as well), decorated wooden Ten Commandments (carefully carved by Ken Aitchison, Rabbi Leslie Alexander's husband), and -- all in all -- had a marvelous time!
Kudos to Emily and Schacher Shem-Tov for the energy, creativity, and responsiveness they showed in helping to organize the event and preparing a delicious dairy lunch for all. Thanks to Rabbi Debbie Israel for being a great story reader, a wonderfully supportive partner, and a helpful organizer. The event was enjoyed by all!
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In the Third Year and Beyond |
Renewals, Address Changes, and What to Do with Extra Books
As we enter our fourth year as a PJ Library community, we want to share with you our pride in our accomplishments, our joy in having you as part of our community, and our hopes for the future.
You are part of a program that has had dramatic impact in the United States, Canada, and in Israel. You are not only helping increase Jewish literacy, identity, and pleasure within your own family, but by participating in local programs and sharing PJL with your friends, you are strengthening the value and appeal of this amazing program. Thanks so much for being part of our family!
You have been enrolled automatically in The PJ Library program for your first two years. However, after your second year's subscription, you must opt in if you wish to continue receiving books. If it is time for you to opt in, please do so by completing the "Renew my Subscription" form online.
If you have moved since first enrolling, and have not received any books lately, have you informed us of your new address? If not, please do so (including your email) so we can continue to be sure you receive all our invitations to fun events and this eNewsletter. Register here.
Some of our parents have told us that they are receiving books for their younger children that they have already received before, and wonder if it is worth continuing their membership. We have been assured by the PJ Library Program Nation, that at least 50% of the books children receive will be new.
But if you do happen to receive a duplicate, there are many worthwhile things you can do with your duplicate books: donate them to your local preschool, religious school, synagogue, or public library. Remember that, even if the book is not new to your family, the experience of your younger child receiving a book just for them is new!
In addition, by remaining part of our local PJ Library family, you will continue to be notified of and invited to our delightful monthly PJ Library programs. In addition to providing a fun outing for you and your child, you can also enjoy developing friendships with other PJ Library parents while your kids make new buddies for themselves.
We value your engagement in our program and in our local Jewish community. We look forward to seeing you at our next event!
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Introduce others to The PJ Library program |
Share Your Pleasure with Your Friends
Do you have a friend or relative who should know about this free book program for Jewish children?
Introduce them to PJ Library by sending them a message via our handy "Tell a Friend" form.
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Interested in Summer Camp with PJ Library? |
Check out Grants from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation 
It's not too late! There are still PJ Goes to Camp incentive grants available for first-time campers not attending Jewish day school.
Contact Kirstin Gadiel by calling 413-439-1968 or by sending e-mail to kirstin@hgf.org.
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June 11Activities for Children in Our Community | |
Events listed here are open to the entire community. Call the organization for more information.
(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
Congregation Beth David - Saratoga
(408) 257-3333
- Shavuot Spectacular: June 5, 2 pm. Torah-themed scavenger hunt, prizes, and more dairy desserts than you can eat.
- Tot Shabbat: Saturday mornings, May 14, 28, 11:00 am -12:00 pm. 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, April 30, May 13: 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.
Congregation Emeth - Morgan Hill
(408) 778-8200
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, June 11, 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 Shabbat: June 3, 6:30pm. Designed for elementary school aged children and their families. Music led by song leader and guitarist Angela Gold. Also: storytime, birthday blessings, and quiz show game. Preceded by an affordable, family friendly dinner at 5:45 pm.
Congregation Sinai - San Jose (408) 264-8542
- Torah for Tots: First and third Saturdays of the month, June 4, 18, 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
- Foothill Family Bike Ride: Sunday, June 12, 10:30 am. A10K (6mile) Family Fun route through the streets of Sunnyvale followed by an EXPO with live music and a festive BBQ in the South Peninsula Hebrew Day School (SPHDS). Participants will also get a commemorative T-shirt and a free goody bag.
Register today- http://www.active.com/cycling/sunnyvale-ca/foothill-family-bike-ride-2011 - 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
- Babies and Bellies BBQ: June 12, 2011 from 11:30 AM. Join other young families for a kid friendly BBQ at a private home. They have a sandbox and a watertable for the kids to play with, so feel free to bring a towel! Contact: Lisa Sobel, admin@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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