Dear PJ Library Parent,

This month is one of my favorites on the Jewish calendar. We celebrate Tu B’Shevat, the birthday of the trees, just as the first blooms appear on trees in Israel, and we look forward to spring on the horizon in New York. What’s blooming in your family this month?

Explore our new-look newsletter to learn about some of the tree-mendous upcoming family programs on the PJ Library in New York Event Calendar, as well as the PJ Library books and a special Purim gift your family will receive this month!

From our PJ Library family to yours,

Melanie
Rabbi Melanie Levav
Director, PJ Library in New York

What's Happening This January

SAT
9

LONG ISLAND

Celebrate the birthday of trees at Family J Time with a puppet show performance of Mystery Max and the Stolen Seeds followed by a finger puppet workshop by Wonderspark Puppets! At Sid Jacobson JCC from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM.

BROOKLYN

Join JCC Brooklyn North Williamsburg for a fun, interactive Tu B'Shevat ShaJam experience this month also celebrating the trees' birthday! There will be singing, dancing, planting, puppets, stories, instruments, challah, and more! From 4:00 PM - 5:15 PM.

SUN
9

WESTCHESTER

Learn about Tu B'shevat and Celebrate Nature! with songs, music, snacks and friends at Temple Israel of Northern Westchester from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM.

QUEENS

Learn why trees are so important, meet some animals who depend on them for survival, and go on a nature walk at Hollis Hills Bayside Jewish Center's Tu BiShvat Celebration. At Alley Pond Environmental Center, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM.

SAT
22

MANHATTAN

What kind of fruit are you? For fruit lovers and tree huggers alike, celebrate the birthday of the trees and get closer to nature at FamilyLab: Inch by Inch in Harlem (address provided on RSVP) from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. With a delicious dinner, sing-along, stories, and animated interactive learning.

Find More Family Events Near You

PJ Library Books this Month!

PJ Library Family Resources

A Tu B’Shevat Seder for Kids

Taste and smell new foods, ask questions, and say blessings together all while celebrating Tu B’Shevat, the birthday of the trees.

How to Plant a Tree Sapling During Cold Weather

Taking care of a plant can help a child develop a sense of responsibility. With these easy tips, you will develop a green thumb in no time.

What Are Your Family Values?

PJ Library is launching a new initiative to help you talk about Jewish values with your kids, chock-full of resources and suggestions.

Everything You Need to Know About Purim

Purim is a fun holiday to enjoy at any age, with activities from baking to dressing up in costumes to making tons of noise! Here is what you need to know to get started.

How to Make a Purim Gift Basket

This month, each kid will receive a special in-the-envelope gift – a DIY mishloach manot kit! Purim baskets are a nice way to show others you care, and these tips will share ideas of how to fill them up.

February’s PJ Our Way Books

Check out PJ Our Way’s choices for February! Charlie Thorne’s adventures will put you on the edge of your seat, while Reuven’s brachot bee will have you rooting for him to succeed. Anna’s clever idea helps both her family and the war effort, while Jordan uses his unique gift to protect his village. Be it action, innovation, fantasy, or fun, you’re certain to find your next great read in this month’s picks. Choose your book by February 10th!

Introducing the 2020 PJ Our Way National Design Team!

PJ Our Way selected these 12 superstar kids (5 of whom are from New York) to create video trailers, polls, reviews, and blog posts for forthcoming books on the PJ Our Way website, and so much more.