Category: Jewish Life
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Embracing the environmental spirit of Tu BiShvat
Though Judaism is a spiritual practice, many Jewish observances are grounded in my people’s connection to the land of Israel. From praying for rain at certain times of year, to celebrating the harvest season, Jews maintain that connection to Israel in almost everything we do. This includes the observance of…
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5 ways to embrace the spirit of Rosh Hashanah
I have long found the timing of Rosh Hashanah to be more auspicious than the secular new year that begins in January. The timing of the holiday alongside the start of fall and, for many, the transition from a more leisurely summer to the busier days of work and school…
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PJ Library makes celebrating Passover easy, meaningful and fun
In addition to running this blog and related social media channels, I run an Instagram account and Clubhouse club called, “Raising Jews.” In our most recent discussion, we spoke about ways to make Passover fun for kids of all ages, and shared crafts, games and other ideas to make the…
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Connecting environmental and racial justice on Tu B’Shvat and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
My nine-year-old and I were updating his PJ Library reusable wall calendar for January, when he noticed Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish holiday celebrating the new year of the trees, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, fall on the same day this year, Monday, January 17. As we look ahead to…
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Menorahs, Maccabees and more: Hanukkah explained
The Jewish celebration of Hanukkah began on Sunday evening, and you may have noticed your friends sharing pictures and videos of their Hanukkah festivities. Hanukkah is a joyous celebration, and a popular Jewish festival. It is my kids’ favorite holiday, and for good reason! Who doesn’t love eight days of…
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Recipes, books, games and more — PJ Library’s got everything you need to celebrate Hanukkah
Hanukkah is almost here, and I can already smell the latkes and see my kids smiling from all the holiday fun. If your family is like mine, your kids are already looking forward to Hanukkah, and you are ready to make some special memories. To help families embrace and share…
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FREE Hannukah coloring pages: Dreidels, Dinos and Donuts!
Channukah, Hannukah, Hanukah, however you spell it, the Festival Of Lights is coming soon! Though I am far from a professional artist, I was inspired to create these whimsical, Hannukah coloring pages to help kids of all ages get into the Hannukah spirit. I hope you enjoy these, and please…
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How To Celebrate Lag B’Omer
Lag B’Omer is a lesser-known Jewish celebration, which commerorates the 33rd day of the Omer, or time between the Jews leaving Egypt and their receiving of the Torah 40 days later. So, what’s so special about the 33rd day, and why do we honor this occasion? The answer depends on…
Maybe I'll Shower Today 