Free + Open to ALL GUARDIANS...
Encouraging New and Young Readers
PJ Library is a Jewish family engagement program implemented throughout North America as a part of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. With the support of philanthropists and local Jewish organizations, we are able to mail free, high-quality Jewish children’s literature and music to families with children from birth through age 12 across the continent. PJ Library in Tidewater at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater partners in these efforts and also offers high-quality programming in the Tidewater region with the goal of connecting Jewish families.
Families raising kids from birth through 9 years old with Judaism as part of their lives are welcome to sign up. PJ Library welcomes all Jewish families, whatever your background, knowledge, or family make-up, or observance may be.
PJ Our Way is the next chapter of PJ Library for kids ages 9-12. It is available free of charge to families throughout the US and Canada raising Jewish children. Every month, kids can come to this site to choose the book they want to receive. Kids can also submit reviews and videos about the books.
PJ LIBRARY
Sign up to receive a FREE Jewish book each month. From birth through age 8.
PJ OUR WAY
Sign up to choose a FREE Jewish book each month. From ages 9-12.
PJ Library FAQs
What does PJ stand for?
Pajamas! PJ Library supports reading anytime of the day, but we know that many families sit down to read books at bedtime, in their pajamas. PJ Library books can be enjoyed any time you want a good story.
Who is eligible to register?
A family must have children from birth to 8 years old with one Jewish parent in the household and reside in the Tidewater area.
What’s the cost?
The PJ Library® is free due to our generous local donors: United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Simon Family JCC and The Harold Grinspoon Foundation.
What's the catch?
Only one — you need to read the books and listen to the music with your children. That's all!
My child is about to turn 9. Can I sign them up for PJ Library?
Kids across the United States can continue their PJ experience by signing up for PJ Our Way, the next chapter of PJ Library for kids ages 9-12. Kids are eligible to enroll when they turn 8.5 through the day before their 13th birthday. Each month kids go to the PJ Our Way website to choose which book they would like to receive from a selection of age-appropriate books with Jewish themes. Learn more about PJ Our Way at PJOurWay.org
My child has special needs and would do better with books aimed for child of a different age. What should I do?
We're happy to make an accommodation for any child with any special learning needs. Please contact our Program Professional, Nofar Trem. We welcome your child's enrollment in any age group you deem appropriate.
How do I enroll a new sibling?
Easy! Just submit their information through our enrollment form.
-
-
Sukkot with the ShinshinimOct
03
Join Tidewater's Shinshinim, May...
-
-
Baby and Me at the JCCOct
17
Free + Open to ALL GUARDIANS...
-
-
The Shabbat@Home series consists...
-
-
Baby and Me at the JCCOct
31
Free + Open to ALL GUARDIANS...
-
-
Sunday Fun DayNov
12
Details to follow
-
-
Baby and Me at the JCCNov
14
Free + Open to ALL GUARDIANS...
-
-
Kids Night OutNov
18
Kids Night Out!
Please allo...
PARENT CONNECTORS
PJ Library in Tidewater are excited to have Parent Connector in the Tidewater are to help build Jewish Community. To learn more on how to apply, contact Nofar Trem at ntrem@ujft.org
HOLIDAY RESOURCES
Consider this section your "Jewish Holiday Cheat Sheet"! Whether it's a place to turn when your child asks a question about a particular holiday, or, you've volunteered to help in a child's class and need a refresher. Each of these, below, have links to pages with resources, tips, videos, book passages, fast facts, and more to help you make sense of the Jewish holidays we celebrate.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PJ LIBRARY OR TO SIGN UP FOR FREE BOOKS
Contact Nofar Trem, Tidewater's PJ Library and PJ Our Way Program Professional, at NTrem@UJFT.org or (757) 969-3909.
From science to art class, soccer to basketball, and everything in between there is never a shortage of classes for children at the Simon Family JCC.
Patrons with a family membership qualify for class discounts. Call the front desk at 757-321-2338 for discount codes.
JUMP TO REGISTRATION PAGE
Soccer Shots Details (age 3 - Grade 3)
Soccer season can be year-round with Soccer Shots! Learn soccer fundamentals while building character development like teamwork, respect, and determination! For inclement weather and temps below 40 degrees, practice will be indoors in the gym.
- PreK 3’s, 4’s, & 5's
- Time: 3:30 - 4:15 PM or 4:30 - 5:15 PM
- Dates: Wednesdays, September 27-November 15
- Location: Soccer Field or Gym- JCC
- Pricing: $145* (Patrons with a family membership qualify for a 20% discount. Call front desk at 757-321-2338 for code.)
- Kindergarten - 3rd Grade
- Time: 3:30 - 4:15 PM or 4:30 - 5:15 PM
- Dates: Tuesdays September 26-November 14
- Location: Soccer Field or Gym- JCC
- Pricing: $145* (Patrons with a family membership qualify for a 20% discount. Call front desk at 757-321-2338 for code.)
Register Now
Little Ninjas Details (K-1)
Children in kindergarten and first grade will learn the foundation of self-defense by recognizing stranger danger and learning how to react. They will become confident in how to deal with emergency situations, like following procedures calmly. Little Ninjas will also improve motor skills, coordination, and concentration.
- Grades: Kindergarten and 1st
- Time: Thursdays from 3:30-4:30
- Dates: September 28 - November 16
- Location: Studio 2- JCC (Fitness/2nd Floor)
- Pricing: $145* (Patrons with a family membership qualify for a 20% discount. Call front desk at 757-321-2338 for code.)
*Additional charges for uniform, manual, and belt promotions will be handled through the instructor.
Register Now
Self Defense Kids Details (Grades 2-5)
Children from grades 2-5 will learn situational awareness, to be aware of their surroundings and know when there is a threat to themselves or others. They will learn anti-bullying strategies to de-escalate and stop bullying with a non-violence approach. Children will gain self-discipline and confidence as their skills strengthen with biweekly training. Respect for your parents, your teachers, peers, and especially yourself is paramount.
- Grades: 2nd-5th
- Time: Thursdays from 4:30-5:30
- Dates: September 28-November 16
- Location: Studio 2- JCC (Fitness/2nd Floor)
- Pricing: $145* (Patrons with a family membership qualify for a 20% discount. Call front desk at 757-321-2338 for code.)
*Additional charges for uniform, manual, and belt promotions will be handled through the instructor.
Register Now
Kids Yoga Details (Grades K-5)
Yoga and mindfulness have been shown to improve both physical and mental health in school-age children. Yoga improves balance, strength, endurance, and aerobic capacity in children. Yoga and mindfulness offer psychological benefits for children as well.
- Grades: K - 5th Grade
- Time: 3:30 - 4:30 pm
- Dates: September 27 - November 15
- Location: The Zone-JCC
- Pricing: $145 (Patrons with a family membership qualify for a 20% discount. Call front desk at 757-321-2338 for discount code.)
Register Today
Israel Club Details (Grades K-5)
In the Simon Family JCC’s Israel Club we will discover what Israel’s unique geography is like, talk about (and taste!) the wonderful foods of Israel, see images and learn about the wildlife there, and of course discuss some of Israel’s rich history.
Through fun and engaging discussions, games and crafts, we will enhance our knowledge of all-things-Israel, together, in a really fun environment surrounded by new friends!
The class is lead by our visiting ShinShinim, Naomi Friedland and Maya Ostrov, who are Israeli born citizens. They are excited to meet you and bring Israel to life for everyone!
More details about upcoming Israel Club meet-ups is coming! Keep your eyes here.
Kids Night Out (ages 4-12)
Need a date night?
Kids Night Out is a fun night for everyone! Kids will enjoy a night full of games, crafts, snacks, and swimming. Saturday Nights, from 6-10 PM.
For JCC Members | Children aged 4 to 12
$20 per child/$15 for siblings (max $50/household)
Potential JCC Members | Children aged 4 to 12
$25 per child/$20 for siblings (max $65/household)
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM • 2023 Dates
- November 18
- January 20
- February 24
- March 16
- April 20
Register Today
UPCOMING KIDS EVENTS
-
-
Baby and Me at the JCCOct
03
Free + Open to ALL GUARDIANS with babies up to 24 months.
Every other Tuesday at the Simon Family JCC!
No registration required. Join other parents and our Youth & Family Coordinator,...
-
-
Sukkot with the ShinshinimOct
03
Join Tidewater's Shinshinim, Maya and Naomi, for an evening in the Sandler Family Campus' Sukkah, where they will create Sukkah decorations, talk about how Sukkout is celebrated in Israel, dance to...
-
-
Baby and Me at the JCCOct
17
Free + Open to ALL GUARDIANS with babies up to 24 months.
Every other Tuesday at the Simon Family JCC!
No registration required. Join other parents and our Youth & Family Coordinator,...
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KIDS CLASSES AT THE JCC
Contact Sarah Cooper, Camp JCC Program Manager, at SCooper@SimonFamilyJCC.org or (757) 321-2306
There is no better place to make new friends, create memories, and become the brightest version of yourself than at camp! At Camp JCC we engage children through experiences that help build, support, and reinforce a positive personal identity and strong peer relationships. Throughout the week, our activities invoke curiosity and help campers develop patience, creativity, and responsibility.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CAMP JCC
Contact Dave Flagler, Director of Camp and Teen Engagement, at DFlagler@UJFT.org or (757) 432-3182.