JEWISH FEDERATION
Federation Star
May 2022
17
Meet the Schwartz family PJ family spotlight By Alicia Feldman, PJ Library Coordinator
Q
: Tell me about the Schwartz family. A: We are Melanie and Stephen Schwartz. We have four children: Jessica (20), Reid (17), Oliver (turning 12) and Eliza (8). Q: How long has your family been in Naples? A: We moved around quite a bit before settling in Naples 17½ years ago. We came to Naples from Richmond, Virginia. Previously, we were in Houston for Stephen’s Baylor Fellowship while Melanie worked for Chase Bank. Before that, we were in NYC. Q: What do you think about the quality of PJ Library books? A: The book quality is excellent. Some are more popular than others in our home, especially ones that are specifically about holidays and life events. Occasionally, there are books that are about holidays less familiar to us. Q: What do you like about PJ Library books? A: We appreciate that the books are not only educational but very relatable and told from a place of warmth and inclusiveness. They are very bright and colorful, present and honest but with an optimistic viewpoint.
Q: Do you belong to a synagogue? If so, which one? A: Our family is involved in the Jewish community. We are members and worship at Temple Shalom. It is where our children are engaged in Religious
attending Temple Shalom Preschool and our two youngest attended Preschool of the Arts at Chabad of Naples. We like to attend holidays and activities at both synagogues. Q: Are you involved in the Jewish community in Naples? If so, how? A: Our older two children have been involved in BBYO activities. Reid has served on the BBYO board. As a teenager, our oldest daughter, Jessica, was also involved in BBYO and has served on various committees. She is currently enrolled at Rollins College where she attends Hillel. Our children attended Jewish summer day camps and attend Jewish sleepaway camps. We do enjoy attending Federation events when possible.
Are you a PJ Library family?
Melanie & Stephen Schwartz, together with their four children, Jessica (20), Reid (17), Oliver (turning 12) and Eliza (8)
Introducing
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School (YESh) and receive their Hebrew education. Our two oldest children have become b’not mitzvahs at Temple Shalom. As far as preschool goes, we are a 50/50 split, with two of our children
If you, or someone you know, is interested in becoming a PJ Library Spotlight Family, please let us know! Email Alicia Feldman at programs@jewishnaples.org. Follow us on Facebook @PJLibraryNaplesFL.
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