By Lisa Plotkin, PJ Library Coordinator- JCFR

Thanks to the creative vision of PJ Library Lead Parent Volunteer Molly Dickinson, 11 local PJ families had a meaningful way to fill their unscheduled morning between summer camps and the start of the new school year.  

While everyone was snuggled into the Tuckahoe Public Library, three PJ Parents, Ohad Idan, Heather Simon, and Rivka Skaist, volunteered to read books to the group. See some photos above and below.

Children in attendance ranged from infants to 9 years old. Juice was flowing, challah was delicious, and tea lights helped spread Shabbat joy as we joined voices to say the blessings. 

Heather and Rivka read Turtle’s Shabbat written by Orit Raz, and Ohad read My Grandfather’s Coat written by Jim Aylesworth, a story about a coat that was worn over and over until it was too tattered but then transformed and turned into other useful items, much like PJ Library’s Something from Nothing by Phoebe Gilman.

The Jewish value of bal tashchit, Hebrew for “do not destroy”, encourages us to use materials and resources responsibly and respectfully - think, finding new uses for recycled materials or using both sides of a paper before recycling it.  To honor this value, families brought old socks to decorate and turn into unique sock puppet characters, facilitated by Molly. 

She reflected afterward, "It was heartwarming to see both younger and older children engaged by Jewish storytelling. And the sock puppet conversations afterward couldn't have been cuter."  

To wrap up the morning, a few families gathered outside in the shade of the library near the pond and grassy area for a picnic.

Some more photos below from the program

Would you like to see another event like this one?  Email Lisa at PJLibrary@JewishRichmond.org.