Page 47 - Jewish News_Sept2021

FOCUS ON YOUTH September 2021 7B

Simchat Torah
S im c ha t T o r ah
Dessert

Each child is a child of G-d. They
have a perfect soul, untouchable by the A program of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, PJ Library & PJ Decorating
ravages of life, their outward mistakes Our Way engages children between birth and age 12, and their families, with Sunday, Sept 26, 2021
and imperfections. How can a child books and activities that enhance their Jewish journey. Throughout the year, 3:00pm
of G-d not be perfect, loveable and a families gather for story times and other special programs where they can
source of pride? socialize and meet new friends. PJ is for any family raising Jewish children – DRIVE-
When our children sense and feel affiliated, unaffiliated, interfaith or non-traditional. The program is completely BY
that we love them for who they are and free for families, thanks to the generosity of The Harold Grinspoon Founda- EVENT
not for who we want them to be, we tion, Edie and David Chaifetz, the Federation and other generous donors.
give them the space to reach unimag- Welcoming the High Holy
inable heights. Our love and pride in Celebrate Simchat Torah the PJ Library way...
our children help them grow to be who decorating delicious treats with a free PJ
they are meant to be and achieve their Days with PJ Library Library Dessert Decorating Kit Gift Bag! Please
true potential. register to receive the gift bag pick-up location.
May G-d bless us all on the cusp By MG Berman, PJ Community Connector, REGISTER AT JFEDSRQ.org/PJ
of a new year, that as Chana believed and Jessi Sheslow, Teen and Family Programs Manager
in her child, we should believe in our ver the past 15 months, we evident. We continue to try new things For more information about this event, contact
children. And as Chana’s son grew to have all faced many challeng- and find ways to improve our lives. MG Berman, PJ Library Connector, at
be a prophet, our children should de-Oes during the pandemic. Some As you take part in the High Holi- mgpjconnector@gmail.com.
velop as the future generation of strong of us have taken on roles within our days, at home or in synagogue, remem- For more information about PJ Library, contact
Jewish leaders. families we did not think we would, ber the joy, laughter and excitement Jessi Sheslow, jsheslow@jfedsrq.org or
Chanie Bukiet is the program director while others continued to do their reg- you experienced when your PJ Library 941.343.2109.
at Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood ular jobs while trying to stay healthy. family came together. Remember that
Ranch. Not one day has looked the same, and as a community we are stronger togeth-
hopefully we have rounded the corner er, helping one another and teaching
for a brighter future. one another. After more than a year of
experiencing loneliness, join your PJ
Library family every chance you can.
Our High Holidays are a time to stop,
celebrate the new, ask for forgiveness SPONSORED BY
and embrace the new introduction into
this world. It is our chance to do that
as a community. When we look at the
teachings we learn from the Torah, we
should be confident we can achieve
this as we have done so many times
through the years.
Jessi Sheslow and MG Berman Traditions are more important than
This year, as summer has come ever as we continue in this new era.
to a close and school has begun, we Traditions big or small will always be
move into a new era. We accept that remembered, honored and shared with
the “Covid normal” is now in the past. future generations. We challenge each
Still, our world and community’s “new of you to take a moment with a family
normal” is like a wave, with ups and member to share something from your
downs, just like what we experience in childhood that our future generations
our own lives and even within our own can learn and pass on. Let us not wait
families. until next year, when we can seize the
This year, as we open our hearts moment now. At PJ Library Sarasota-
and minds for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Manatee, we cherish every moment,
Kippur, let us also remember from share the love and encourage all the
where we have come over the past year. good.
We have so much going for us togeth- For more information about PJ Li-
er as a community, a blessing we shall brary, contact MG at mgpjconnector@
count. Our emotions have been tested. gmail.com or Jessi Sheslow at jsheslow
Our strength has grown. Our success is @jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2109. READ—GATHER—GROW

PJ Library has partnered with The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee
®
to provide families raising Jewish children with the gift of free, high-quality
children’s books, music, and resources that foster deeper engagement with
Jewish life in our community.
Join one of our PJ programs below
to start enhancing your family’s Jewish journey.

Children 6 mo. - 8 yrs. Children 8 - 12

Sign-up at Sign-up at
JFEDSRQ.org/PJ pjourway.org

For more information, contact
Jessi Sheslow
jsheslow@jfedsrq.org
941.343.2109
PJ Library Sarasota-Manatee is generously
PJ Library families creating Jewish memories together at the Community Havdalah funded in part by Edie and David Chaifetz.