PJL Logo 2011

The Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley

eNewsletter
November 2011
In This Issue
Reenrollment in Third Year
Mesibah Family Fun
Charlie Brown at the Retro Dome
Octopretzel Concert
Hanukkah at Hicklebee's
Santana Row Candlelighting
Activities for Children
Our Constituent Partners
Thanks to our Funders
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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.

 

 

6 Months to  2 Yrs.

Hanukkah: A Counting Book

 

2 to 3 Years

Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah

 

3 to 4 Years

Eight Winter Nights

 

4 to 5 Years

The Ziz and the Hanukkah Miracle

 

5 to 6 Years

The Golem's Latkes

 

5 to 6 Years

Latkes and Applesauce

 

Nathan Hanukkah Candles

 

6 to 7 Years

Nathan Blows Out the Hanukkah Candles

   

Check out the reading guides for these books.

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings!

Have you noticed the bright reds and yellows on the trees as you are out and about? Although the days are still balmy, they are getting shorter. Because of the Jewish calendar, we have been able to truly experience the flow of the season in its familiar and comforting procession. Each year, we know we will observe our holidays, enjoy our family celebrations, and follow our necessary routines. 
 
We love tradition and continuity but we also know that part of life is change as well- and that's good! The best changes are those that happen in the  context of all that remains wonderfully the same.. Part of the delight is marking the growth and development of our children as they learn new things from year to year and enjoy holidays differently and more deeply as they grow.
 
And each month, we will once again share the delight of fresh new PJ Library books and treasure knowing that, while the quality of each new offering will remain consistent, what will develop and grow is your child's ability to connect with the books and with the values conveyed within them. 
 
pearl w envelopeWe love knowing that receiving the big white and blue envelope each month is something that your children come to anticipate and expect. We love that the PJ Library program can provide that continuity for them.  And we love knowing that the children look forward to our programs as well.
 
We have a PJL program scheduled for November and, just wait, it's going to be a busy, busy December, with several wonderful PJL events to put on your calendar. Look below for our next five events, and save the dates!  We can't wait to see you as we begin a new year of PJ Library in our community and continue offering these wonderful books and opportunities to have fun exploring Judaism.  Now, on to Thanksgiving and Hanukkah -  enjoy the books this month that help us prepare for our next Jewish season. 

 

                  B'Shalom,

                  Rabbi Leslie and Eleanor

 

Important Message for Families Entering Their Third Year with PJL 

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, you should have gotten a letter from PJ Library National reminding you to do so.
 

So please complete the "Renew my Subscription" form online.

 

The books will still be sent for free, but it might be nice to consider making a donation in order to ensure the continuity of this wonderful program in our community. (The cost of a PJL subscription is $60.)

 

 

"Mesibah" Family Fun Day with PJL Storytime
Monday, November 14th, 2001,  3:00pm-5:00pm
Addison Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos
 
Mesibah is the Hebrew word for party. Children ages 2-10 years old and their parents or caregivers are invited to join us for a FREE party to celebrate the upcoming Jewish holidays.

Enjoy a bounce house, arts and crafts, healthy snacks, and storytime with PJ Library.

For more information, contact the JCC's Center for Jewish Life & Learning at CJLL@svjcc.org  or 408.357.7411.
.

 

Charlie Brown comes to the Retro Dome -- Fun for You, Funds for PJL!
Sunday, December 4, 2011, 3:00-5:00pm
The Retro Dome
1694 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose
 
Your favorite cartoon character animated -- live! Starring your favorite local theatre group -- the Retro Dome Players! Come see Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Sally and Snoopy dancing, prancing, singing and winging.
 
This special performance on December 4 will be a benefit for The PJ Library! When you order your tickets, be sure to mention the PJL code. The PJ Library will receive a percentage of the show's sales for that night. 

Charlie Brown Poster

PJ Library Presents Octopretzel  in Concert -- FREE!

Sunday, December 11, 2011, 12:15pmOctopretzel

Addison Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos

FREE. 

 

A free concert by Octopretzel, organized by The PJ Library®, a program of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, and co-presented with the APJCC, will be a highlight of the Hanukkah Palooza festival this year.

 

Octopretzel's CDs have been chosen by The PJ Library's national program for distribution to PJL families.

 

We will also share Hanukkah stories from our PJ Library book collection. 

 

Hanukkah Palooza is an annual favorite of families with preschool and school-age children. Kids will enjoy storytime with PJ Library, music, crafts, bounce houses and games and food.

 

The Women's Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation will be hosting a boutique with over 30 area vendors -- an easy way to do your Hanukkah shopping! 

 

  

PJ Library brings Hanukkah to Hicklebee's

Sunday, December 13, 2011, 3:30-4:30 
 
1378 Lincoln Ave. San Jose, CA 95125

   

Hicklebee's ElfWe're going back to Hicklebee's for Hanukkah!

 

In our second year, we will be offering a a fun storytime, lively songs and fingerplay and a craft activity. There will also be a great opportunity to buy other books for family or gift-giving.

 

There will also be a raffle for both books and a Hicklebee's Gift Card.

 
 

Santana Row Candlelighting: One Night Only -- for the Whole Community!

The First Night of Hanukkah ! ! !

Tuesday, December 20, 2011, 5:30-6:30pm

Park Valencia, Santana Row, San Jose

 

Santana Row Chanukah Graphic

 

Something traditional . . . and something different! The PJ Library brings a Hanukkah Candlelighting celebration to Santana Row for the third year! You know what a fun event this has always been.

 

This year, we will be lighting candles on the stage at Park Valencia (on Olin Street at Winchester Avenue) on the first night -- Tuesday, December 20, 2011. We will have representatives from many of our local synagogues and Jewish agencies collaborating with us for this special occasion. Highlighting the program will be a special show by members of the Retro Dome, whose owners are a PJ Library family.

 

There will also be crafts, taste treats, and music as well as storytime.

 

Something traditional, something different, something special! You'll want to be there!

 

 

Activities 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
Los Gatos - (408) 357-7492

  • Mesibah! Family Fun Day November 14, 2011 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Thanksgiving. Children ages 2-10 years old and their parents or caregivers are invited to join us for a FREE party to celebrate Thanksgiving. Bounce house, arts and crafts, healthy snacks, and storytime with PJ Library. For more information, contact the APJCC Center for Jewish Life and Learning at 408.357.7411 or cjll@svjcc.org.

Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center Pre-School
Los Gatos - 408) 357-7417

  •  

Congregation Beth David
Saratoga - (408) 257-3333

  • CBD Shabbat Mishpaha (Family Services) November 04 and December 2, 2011 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Welcome the Shabbat Bride with song, story and dance. Join us every first Friday night for an energetic, family-friendly Kabbalat Shabbat experience with something for everyone!
  • CBD Ganon November 06 and 13, 2011 from 11:00 AM. fun intro to Religious School for 3-4 year olds. Art, dance, singing, & circle time relate to Jewish holidays, values, & Israel. No membership required. Must be toilet trained.
  • CBD Haverim Services November 12 and December 10, 2011 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. K-3rd grade. Lively songs, movement, stories, and values discussion. Treat-filled Kiddush. Parents always welcome to join in.
  • CBD Tot Shabbat November 12 and 26, 2011 from 11:15 AM. For kids ages 0-5. Interactive parent-led service for babies, toddlers, and preschool kids. Open to the whole community. Tot Shabbat includes singing, storytelling, and a Kiddush snack.
  • CBD PJ Shabbat November 18, 2011 from 6:01 PM. For toddlers and siblings. This mini Kabbalat Shabbat service is geared towards tots (ages 0-5) and will feature songs, puppets, felt, story time, plus a kid-friendly Shabbat dinner. Cost: $10.00 per adult; $ 2.00 per child (over 3); kids under 3 eat free. RSVPs requested. Please respond by the Wednesday before each event to the CBD office at 408-257-3333.

Congregation Emeth
Morgan Hill - (408) 778-8200

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Congregation Shir Hadash
Los Gatos - (408) 358-1751

  • No Shush Shabbat Service November 04, and December 02, 2011 from 6:30 PM. Please join Rabbis Aron and Levenberg, and song leader Angela Gold for our special child-friendly service.
  • Tot Shabbat November 13, 2011, 9:30 AM. Join Rabbi Levenberg and other families with young children for Tot Shabbat. Songs and simple prayers; Story time; Hands-on music; Cuddly Torahs; Oneg Snack. Free and is open to the community.

Congregation Sinai
San José - (408) 264-8542

  • Shabbat Storytime November 19, 2011 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Join us for a fun, educational session of Jewish storytelling. For ages 0 - 5.

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

  •  Kindergarten Open House Sunday November 6 10-12AM - Come and meet the staff, tour the school, learn about our hands on curriculum and aftercare and enrichment opportunities. There will be activities for the children while the parents meet the staff. Light refreshments are included. Drop in days to see the program in action are Tuesday November 8th and 15th from 9-12AM. RSVP to Tiffany at office@sphds.org or 408-738-3060.

Temple Emanu-El
San José - (408) 292-0939

  • Tot Shabbat Service and Potluck. November 18, and December 16, 2011 from 6:00 to 6:30 PM

Yavneh Day School
Los Gatos - (408) 984-6700

  • Check the Yavneh website (www.yavneh-day-school.org) for information about activities for children in Gesher (pre-kindergarten) and Kita Gan (kindergarten)

 

 

Our Constituent Partners

 

Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center   (Los Gatos)

www.svjcc.org 

APJCC Preschool (Los Gatos)  

www.svjcc.org/preschool.html 

Congregation Beth David  (Saratoga)  

www.beth-david.org 

Congregation Emeth (Morgan Hill)  

www.emeth.net 

Hillel of Silicon Valley (San Jose)  

www.hillelsv.org 

Jewish Family Services   (Los Gatos)  

www.jfssv.org 

Jewish Federation Silicon Valley   (Los Gatos)  

www.jvalley.org 

Sharone Hadassah  

www.sharone-hadassah.org 

Congregation Shir Hadash   (Los Gatos)  

www.shirhadash.org 

Congregation Sinai   (San José)  

www.sinai-sj.org 

South Peninsula Hebrew Day School (Sunnyvale)  

www.sphds.org 

Temple Emanu-El   (San José)  

www.templesanjose.org 

Yavneh Day School   (Los Gatos)

www.yavnehdayschool.org

 

 

More Information

 

For more information about the PJ Library® Program and our role in the community, please visit

http://www.jvalley.org/pj-library 

General Inquiries:

(408) 357-7509

pjlibrary@jvalley.org 

Rabbi Leslie Alexander, Program Director

(408) 357-7509

rabbialexander@jvalley.org 

Eleanor Weber Dickman, Outreach Coordinator

(408) 255-3109

ewdickman@yahoo.com