By Lisa Plotkin

Just ahead of Shavuot, PJ Library RVA’s event Make Something Beautiful, in partnership with Aleph Bet Preschool, welcomed PJ families to Chabad of VA for an afternoon of learning and Shavuot paper art. 

Children, parents, and grandparents were encouraged to attend this intergenerational event.

 “Why do we celebrate Shavuot?” asked Rabbi Yossel Kranz of Chabad of VA.  Not skipping a beat, he invited everyone to stand up and visit the ark and Torah in the sanctuary as he led an interactive learning experience for children and adults. 

PJ children helped to open the ark and identify each piece of the Torah, traveling back in history about why the Torah is so central to the Jewish people and the holiday of Shavuot.

 Nechomi Kranz, Director of Aleph Bet Preschool nestled right next to Chabad, curated a beautiful array of snacks, including a special dairy drink to honor the tradition of eating dairy to celebrate Shavuot.  Learn more about the Shavuot tradition of eating dairy here.  After Make Something Beautiful, families joined Nechomi at Aleph Bet Preschool for a private tour.

 Our Israeli Sh’licha, Tal Bahar, shared a PJ Library story, The Art Lesson, written by Allison and Wayne Marks and  illustrated by Annie Wilkinson, through her own childhood experiences.  Her grandmother, also an artist, inspired Tal’s love of art, just like the girl and her grandmother in the story.  Tal then helped us create paper art resembling wheat to take home for Shavuot decorations.

 “We had such a great time! Having the kids get to experience the Torah up close and personal was everything!” shared PJ Parent Nicole Carter. 

Another PJ Parent commented that it was great to visit Chabad for the first time.  PJ Parent Alli G. shared more of what we love to hear: “We had a great time and are looking forward to the next Little L'Chaim and PJ at the Park!  Thanks for always being so welcoming to our little family.” 

 On top of Jewish joy and learning experiences, PJ Library events bring families together with opportunities to build lasting friendships within the Richmond community.  

Thanks to the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond for making opportunities like this possible in Richmond, to Aleph Bet Preschool and Chabad of VA, our gracious hosts for this event, and to Alaina Smoot for additional photographs.  

Contact Lisa at PJLibrary@JewishRichmond.org with questions or comments.