Youth and Family News

BY MAYA LOTAN, DIRECTOR OF YOUTH & YOUNG FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

DEAR PJ LIBRARY FAMILIES AND READERS,

Before the summer began, hot news came to us from Israel. Following Operation Guardian of the Walls, anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism arrived in Atlantic Canada as we had not experienced it for some time. As an educator, I was called upon to think about how we can prepare our youth for dealing with modern issues against Israel and Jews. I have started, in collaboration with Joanna Wexler, a 5-part course that aims to help people learn through both lecture and discussion because knowledge gives us the ability to analyze the situation and present it better. I hope this is just the beginning of the programs we can offer our youth on how to prepare themselves for talking about Israel and our connection as Jews to it, even when the situation is complex.

When COVID restrictions finally eased, we had the opportunity to meet and start planning in-person outdoor programs—a perfect fit for summer weather. Picnics, Rosh Hashanah activities, and smaller gatherings for teens and youth were held during the summer to rekindle old relationships (and create new ones) with members of the Jewish community. We hope that we will continue to take care of each other’s safety. It will allow such meetings even when the weather gets cooler and programs move indoors.

New babies are being born and joining our Shalom Baby program all of the time. It is fun to see our community grow and greet each of its little ones and their parents with a welcome-to-the-world gift and a PJ library book. In addition to giving out these small gifts, we have created opportunities for parents to meet and get to know other Jewish parents who want to give their children a connection to their Jewish roots. These programs are also an opportunity to learn together about baby nutrition, movement, and song as a community. The programs are held via Zoom to allow new parents in all provinces to take part in activities offered. We hope to hold in-person meetings soon as well to strengthen the bonds formed between the new parents.

I want to wish you a shana tova and an autumn full of colour and cuddling in a pleasant blanket with a good PJ library book.