The Tidewater Federation supports numerous family-friendly programs, events, and opportunities. Our aim is to provide a diverse Jewish cultural experience to the community. On this page, you'll find both ongoing programs + upcoming events and how you can join them.

 

 

 

 

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.

  

 

 

 

 

UPCOMING PJ LIBRARY EVENTS
  • Apr

    04

    Baby and Me

    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, Nof...

  • Apr

    18

    Baby and Me

    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, Nof...

  • May

    02

    Baby and Me

    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, Nof...

  • May

    16

    Baby and Me

    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, Nof...

  • Need a date night? 

    Kids Night Out is officially open for JCC Members and GUESTS of the community!

    Join us for a night full of games, crafts, snacks, and swimming. Catch up with old friends and ...

  • May

    30

    Baby and Me

    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, Nof...

 

 

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.

 


Shabbat

 

 

 

 


Shavuot

 

 

 

 


Shemini Atzeret

 

 

 

 


Tu B'Shevat

 

 

 

 


Rosh Hashanah

 

 

 

 


Simchat Torah

 

 

 

 


Purim

 

 

 

 


Yom Kippur

 

 

 

 


Hanukkah

 

 

 

 


Passover

 

 

 

 


Sukkot

 

 

 

 


Havdalah

 

 

 

In celebration of the trees — Tu B’Shevat — PJ Library in Tidewater friends and families visited the Norfolk Botanical Gardens for a guided tour on January 9th, 2022.

 

More than 30 children and parents came to learn from garden experts about the trees, plants and flowers that grow in our area. Afterward we enjoyed a read aloud of the book “Trees Make Perfect Pets” by Paul Czajak. The kids each made a Tu B’Shevat craft, inspired by the tour and chat, many of them depicting the wonderful fruits that grow on trees in Virginia. Finally, each attendee received their own potted plant to take home.


Celebrating Tu B’Shevat in nature with friends made for a perfect day!

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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. See the registraton pages for discount codes.

Little Ninjas with Spirit Fighting Arts


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: March 23 - May 25
  • Location: Studio 2- JCC (Fitness/2nd Floor)
  • Pricing: $139*
  • *Additional charges for uniform, manual, and belt promotions will be handled through the instructor.

Register Today

 

 

 

  
Self Defense with Spirit Fighting Arts


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: March 23 - May 25
  • Location: Studio 2- JCC (Fitness/2nd Floor)
  • Pricing: $139*
  • *Additional charges for uniform, manual, and belt promotions will be handled through the instructor.

Register Today

 

 

  
Soccer Shots


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: Thursdays, March 23 - May 25
  • Location: Soccer Field or Gym- JCC


Kindergarten - 3rd Grade

  • Time: 3:30 - 4:15 PM or 4:30 - 5:15 PM
  • Dates: Tuesdays, March 21 - May 16
  • Location: Soccer Field or Gym- JCC
  • Pricing: $139*

*Children that did not play at the JCC in the fall will be contacted by Soccer Shots to pay a one time per school year registration/jersey fee for $30. It is good from the fall of 2022 to spring of 2023.

 

Register Today

 

 

  
Israel Club


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, Aya Sever and Alma Ben Chorin, who are Israeli born citizens. They are excited to meet you and bring Israel to life for everyone!

 

  • Grades: K- 2nd Grade
  • Time: Mondays from 3:30 - 4:15 or 4:30 - 5:15
  • Dates:March 27, April 3, 17, 24
  • Location: The Zone-JCC
  • Pricing: $70
REGISTER NOW

 

  • Grades: Grades 3-5
  • Time: Thursdays from 3:30 - 4:15 or 4:30 - 5:15
  • Dates:April 20 & 27, May 4 & 11
  • Location: The Zone-JCC
  • Pricing: $70

REGISTER NOW

 

  
Kids Yoga


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: 4:15 - 5:15pm
  • Dates: Wednesdays, March 22 - May 24
  • Location: The Zone-JCC
  • Register Today
  • Pricing: $139

 

 

 

 

Kids Night Out

 

Need a date night?

Kids Night Out is back in session on the dates below from 6-10 PM! Kids will enjoy a night full of games, crafts, snacks, and swimming.

 

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)

  • February 25
  • March 18
  • May 20

Register for the next Kids Night Out

 

 

 

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KIDS CLASSES AT THE JCC

Contact Sarah Cooper, Camp JCC Program Manager, at SCooper@SimonFamilyJCC.org or (757) 321-2306