Submitted by Melissa Kessler and Andrew Goldberger, VPs of School and Youth
We have exciting news to share regarding our youth programs! It is with great pride that we announce our newest endeavor at B’nai Tikvah—we have been selected by the Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey to partner with them and serve as a hub to offer new and innovative programs through PJ Library and PJ Our Way. We believe that the best way to engage our synagogue youth, and the larger Jewish community in our area, is to provide an opportunity that will allow Jewish children and their families to interact with each other and to build a strong foundation for involvement in Jewish life. We are extremely grateful to the Federation for offering us this opportunity to help cultivate a strong Jewish community for our young and growing families. Throughout the year, we will hold many fun and educational events centered around holidays, Jewish life, and forming meaningful and lasting friendships.
What are PJ Library and PJ Our Way?
PJ Library (for ages 6 months to 8 years old) and PJ Our Way (for ages 9 to 11 years old) are international programs through the Harold Grinspoon Foundation in partnership with the Jewish Federation, wherein families raising Jewish children are eligible to receive monthly age-appropriate books (at no cost) that address various Jewish values and holidays. In addition, PJ Library and PJ Our Way offer programs for young Jewish children throughout the community.
Why Us and Why Now?
With the support of our clergy and Board of Directors, we have made it our mission to focus, not just within our synagogue, but within the greater local Jewish community. With the changing demographics in central New Jersey, it is now more important than ever to ensure our Jewish youth and their families continue to have a Jewish community like the one we all enjoy at B’nai Tikvah. When we closed the Early Childhood Center last year, we wanted to make sure that our youngest members were not forgotten, as we recognize that they are the future of B’nai Tikvah and the Jewish community, in general.
High Holiday Round Robin
On Sunday, October 6th, our Social Hall was filled with singing, dancing, crafts, and laughter, as 33 children and their families from around our area participated in our first PJ Library event: High Holiday Round Robin. What a breath of fresh air it was to see so many young families brought together at B’nai Tikvah. After only one event, new friendships are already forming, inquiries have been made about becoming members of B’nai Tikvah, and we have been asked about future events. This truly puts a smile on our faces. In addition to the participants, B’nai Tikvah was at its best, as several of our members and Board members volunteered to help run the event to make sure the warmth of our synagogue was felt by all. Our High Holiday Round Robin event was an all-around success!
Melissa Kessler and Cheryl Crick created stations for the children, each addressing a different aspect of the High Holidays. As everyone arrived, the PJ Library Radio app was playing music in the background. We then formed a circle on the dance floor and enjoyed singing and dancing with Stacey Rockman. The circle of children and their families took up the entire dance floor – it was quite a sight to behold! We then broke up into small groups for the Round Robin activities, which consisted of 1) holiday card making with Dahlia Wolkoff, 2) story time with Sharon and Scott Cohen, 3) Tashlich Toss with Bobbi Binder, 4) edible Torah making with Stacey Rockman, and 5) Shofar blowing with Ethan Wolkoff.
To make the day run seamlessly truly took a group effort, and we would be remiss if we didn’t thank everyone who helped make it possible in one way or another – Cheryl Crick, Rabbi Wolkoff, Cantor Rockman, Scott Cohen, Stacey Rockman, Sharon Cohen, Bobbi, Binder, Amanda Uniman, Gale Dillman, Scott Kessler, Mindy Austein, Ruth Anne Koenick, Bashe Rockman, Dahlia Wolkoff, Ethan Wolkoff, Kim Riemann, Lynne WeissMarshall, Meryl Harris, and Julio and the rest of our amazing custodial staff.
Where Do We Go From Here?
With one successful program now under our belt, we are encouraged to keep going! Currently, we are in the process of planning additional engaging and educational programs for children of both PJ Library and PJ Our Way age throughout the year. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!
On Sunday, October 6th, local Jewish families welcomed the new year at B’nai Tikvah with a High Holiday Round Robin sponsored by PJ Library, PJ Our Way, and the Jewish Federation. Fun was had by kids of all ages, even the grown-ups, too! Songs were sung, Edible Torahs were made (and eaten), shofars were blown, cards were decorated, Tashlich was tossed, and apples and honey were enjoyed. What a sweet way to start off 5780!
Erica Riback
My family and I went to the High Holiday Round Robin event! It was a wonderful and very well-run day. The B’nai Tikvah volunteers organized children by nametag color into groups to rotate so each child was able to participate in every activity. My kids loved the shofar blowing and making an edible Torah out of tortillas, frosting, and fruit roll ups. We sang songs about the holidays and ate a delicious apple and honey snack at the end of the event. During our Rosh Hashanah dinner, my kids gave their
grandparents cards that they had made that day. Thank you to the volunteers at B’nai Tikvah for making it such a special day for our family!
Erin, Brian, Spencer, Cooper, and Remy Satran
I brought my son to the PJ Library High Holiday Round Robin at B’nai Tikvah last weekend. We had such a wonderful time. Even though my son is only 13 months old, it was great to start exposing him to Judaism and all that it has to offer. My son had a great time and so did I. The event was so well organized and was geared towards children of all ages. The people there were so friendly and welcoming. I really felt like I was a part of the community and I look forward to going to the next event.
Kim Stolow