News From The PJ Library in Silicon Valley

Masthead 2012

September 2012

In This Issue

Community Wide Tzedakah Project

Mesibah Celebrates Rosh HaShanah

Beekeeping Event in South County

Mommy and Me at Santana Row

Sukkot with Children's Author Joshua Buchin

Melton Foundations Classes for Parents

From the National PJ Library "Blog"

Children's Activities

Our Constituent Partners

Experience the Holidays at Local Synagogues

WELCOME! JOIN US!

Area Synagogues are opening their doors for High Holiday Services to all PJ Library families, whether members of a synagogue or still looking!

We've listed the High Holiday Services here and encourage you to attend -- with your children -- as many services as you wish.

L'Shana Tovah! Warmest good wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year!

Click on each synagogue name in blue below to get additional event and synagogue contact information.
Sign up in advance and let them know you'd like to attend.

Congregaton Beth David

Saratoga

Beth David is honored to welcome PJ Library families to High Holiday services at no charge. Tot, preschool, youth, teen and family services and childcare are offered as well.

Congregation Emeth

Morgan Hill

Congregation Emeth sends a special invitation to PJ Library families in the South County to join us for the holidays.

We are offering a special PJ Library family rate of $54. Children's programs and child care available.

Congregation Shir Hadash

Los Gatos

PJ Library families are invited to try Family services on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, which are free. PJ Library families can choose our 'New Song" membership for those under 35 which entitles you to High Holiday tickets for $36 per person.

Congregation Sinai

San Jose

Congregation Sinai welcomes unaffiliated PJ Library families to attend High Holiday services for the first time at Sinai for free. Torah for Tots, K&1, Family service, teen experience and childcare are also available.

Temple Emanu-El

San Jose

Temple Emanuel welcomes PJ Library families to attend a variety of High Holiday experiences. Tashlich (casting away sins) service and picnic, Family High Holiday Alternative Service, Childrens and Tot Shabbat Services offered.

PJ Library Books This Month

September Book Selections

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.

6mo to 2 yrs

BOKER TOV

Ages 2-3

SADIE'S SUKKAH BREAKFAST

Ages 3-4

SUKKOT DVD SHALOM SESAME

Ages 4-5

APPLE TREES DISCOVERY

Ages 5-6

VANISHING GOURDS

Ages 6-7

HOUSE ON THE ROOF

Ages 7

YOU NEVER HEARD OF SANDY KOUFAX

Check out the reading guides for these books.

Share the joys of PJ Library with your friends!

Visit Our Website

Like us on Facebook!

Renewal Time???

Change of Address???

If it's time for you to opt in for renewal, do so by submitting a completed online renewal form.

If you are moving, your books will NOT be forwarded unless we know your new address.

Click here for either renewals or changes of address.

Thanks to our Funders

Greetings!

There is a wonderful blessing in the Jewish tradition that many know and just as many forget to say. It is the Shechechianu, the blessing thanking God for each new thing in our lives. It is the go to blessing when we get something new, eat something for the first time in a while, see something new, have a new life experience, or reach a special day.

The Shechechianu is said SO many times in the next month and a half! We will, as the Jewish people, enter a new year, eat apples and honey, hear the Shofar, sit in a Sukkah, shake, shake, shake the lulav, dance around the synagogue with the Torah, possibly wear new clothes and so much more.

(Click here for the text of the Shechechianu)

This is Your new year- as an individual, a parent, a family. It is a wonderful time to focus on what can be your Shechechianu moments to come. You have the opportunity to choose be a part of, and raise your children in a supportive and nurturing local Jewish Community in a new way this year- Shechechianu!

more . . .

B'Shalom,

Rabbi Leslie and Eleanor

The Yellow Comforter Project

Our PJ Library program is developing an exciting new initiative, based on a wonderful PJL book, "How Dalia Put a Big Yellow Comforter Inside a Tiny Blue Box," by Linda Heller, a delightfully warm and whimsical story about the power of tzedakah.

This program will enable preschoolers to create their own tzedakah boxes and then participate in classroom activities to raise funds to provide useful gifts for new babies and seniors living in our community. At the conclusion of the fundraising effort, each school will create a "store" at which children can shop for specific gifts to be given to beneficiaries of the JFS holiday outreach program, "Embrace-a-Family."

more . . .

Mesibah and PJ Library Celebrate Rosh Hashanah

PJ Library at Mesibah Family Fun Day

September 5, 2012 -- 3:00-5:00pm

Addison Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos

Join PJ Library for a spirited storytime at the Addison Penzak JCC's Mesibah Family Fun Day. Mesibah is the Hebrew word for "party" and this month's party will celebrate the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana! Children ages 2-10 years and their parents or caregivers are invited to join the FREE party. Crafts, Snacks, Stories, Bounce House and more. Contact: Elizabeth Nunez, elizabeth@svjcc.org.

September Beekeeping Event in South County

What's It Like to Be a Be?

with Beekeeper Susan Sweedler

Friday, September 7, 2012 -- 4:30 to 5:30 pm

Congregation Emeth

17835 Monterey Street, Morgan Hill

Congregation Emeth and PJ Library invite all South County Jewish families to come and get ready for Rosh HaShanah 5733, the Jewish new year with a fun and sweet holiday activity.

To help celebrate the opening day of Congregation Emeth's religious school and its new preschool program, PJ Library is sharing a beekeeping event with local beekeeper Susan Sweedler.

We'll have entertaining stories, learn all about the life of bees, try on beekeeper suits, and enjoy apples and fresh honey tastings.

To register please contact danelle@jvalley.org.

"Mommy and Me" at Santana Row

Visit the PJ Library Tables at the Oak Tree Lounge area (near Pinkberry at the intersection with Olin Avenue, Santana Row, San Jose)

Tuesday, September 11

10:00 to noon

PJ Library invites children to experience traditional Rosh HaShanah (New Year) foods -- apples and honey as well as challah and honey. The theme for this month's program is cooking. Please stop by and say hello!

Travel a Magic Sukkah Around the World!

Sukkot Around the World
with the Center for Jewish Life and Learning

and the PJ Library at the Addison-Penzak JCC

Thursday, October 4, 2012, 4:00 - 6:00 pm

Special Guest, Children's Author Joshua Buchin

Children will create passports, board a make-believe "jet" in a magic sukkah and experience the Sukkot Holiday in several places aroound the world as well as in the JCC's Sukkah (harvest booth).

more . . .

Building Strong "Foundations"

Expand your knowledge of Jewish holidays, customs and traditions while receiving hands-on tips of how to convey what you've learned to your children. Two "Melton" classes of special interest to families are being offered by the Addison-Penzak JCC's Center for Jewish Life and Learning.

Foundations of Jewish Family Living

This Melton class provides you with the learning, the language, and the confidence to be a teacher to your own children orgrandchildren. Learn the master stories from our tradition and the profound messages they convey. Classes on Friday mornings. Fee.

Purposes of Foundations

This Melton class explores the ultimate purposes of Judaism by examining 30 major theological and philosophical questions. The curriculum will help you discover how to shape your Jewish life at home. Classes on Monday mornings. Fee.

From the National PJ Library "Blog"

Can you hear the shofar blast? It is coming with Rosh Hashanah to "wake up" your family's creative spirit.

This month, enrich your holiday experience by exploring creativity together with your family. Nurture the artistic spirit of your children.

It is customary to send cards to loved ones at Rosh Hashanah, wishing them a sweet new year. Treat this custom as an opportunity to explore creativity as a family. Read the PJL "Blogspot" to learn more.

Read your PJ Library books aloud. Work together on a new recipe. Submit a drawing to the Voices & Visions poster contest.

Rosh Hashanah begins Sunday evening, Sept. 16. Yom Kippur begins Tuesday evening, Sept. 25. Click here for holiday reading tips and resources.

Sukkot begins Sunday evening, Sept. 30. Click here for holiday reading tips and resources.

Wishing you a new year filled with health, joy, and loving connection to family and friends.

Children's Activities in Our Community

Events listed are open to the entire community.

Call each 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

Rosh Hashanah Field Day - Wednesday September 05, 2012 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Get in the spirit for the Jewish New Year at the Rosh Hashanah Field Day for kids and families. Bob for apples, participate in shofar blowing contests, meeting a bee keeper and his bees, and other fun activities. Free. More information: CJLL@svjcc.org or 357.7413. http://www.svjcc.org/events/index.shtml
The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia September 11, 2012 from 7:00 PM. Come to a free film screening and panel discussion of this HBO documentary, co-hosted by the JCC and The Children's Health Council. The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia examines how dyslexia can be as great a gift as an obstacle. The film, directed by Jamie Redford, features super-achieving dyslexics Sir Richard Branson, Charles Schwab and California's Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom. The post-screening discussion will explore best practices in the classroom and how to support dyslexic children at home. Panelists include: Kyle Redford, the mother featured in the film, who is also a 5th grade teacher, and writer and educational advocate Jill Yochim. Contact: Lisa Ceile; lisacg@svjcc.org.
Decorate the JCC Sukkah September 27, 2012 from 3:00 PM. The Sukkah is a harvest booth that we construct for the autumn festival of Sukkot. Help us make decorations and hang them up. Snacks and art supplies provided. Everyone is welcome. This event is especially suitable for families with preschool or elementary school age children. Free. More information: CJLL@svjcc.org or 357.7413.

Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center Pre-School

Los Gatos - 408) 357-7417

Grandpals Shabbat September 21, 2012 from 9:15 AM to 10:30 AM. Help us explore and impart our rich traditions to our APJCC Preschool children. Join us for storytelling, art, songs, and Shabbat to connect the generations. Fridays, 9/21, 10/5, 10/19, 11/2, 11/16, 11/30, 12/14, 1/11, 1/25. FREE.

Congregation Beth David

Saratoga - (408) 257-3333