Page 14 - Jewish News _August 2021_

14A August 2021 FEDERATION NEWS

Volunteer Spotlight Holocaust Speakers Bureau inspires thousands

The “PJ” in PJ Library also means “Promoting Judaism”of students and community members

By Sandy Chase By Anne Stein, Chair, Holocaust Speakers Bureau
he Jewish Federation of Sara- Community Study, 70% of our area books about Jewish traditions and val- new environment.”
sota-Manatee has proved re- children up to age 11 have received ues like Tikkun Olam and Tzedakah.” MG says, “As program developers,
Tpeatedly that PJ Library of books and materials from PJ Library Federation activities complement we appreciate Priya’s assistance in cre-
Sarasota-Manatee is more than free – one of the highest saturation rates in PJ Library because they help children ating family-friendly programs.”
books, music, videos and activities for the country. learn while experiencing their religion An example of such an activity
Jewish children (through eight years on a level they under- was the Afikomen Hunt. Beaming, Pri-
old) and their parents – affiliated, unaf- stand. In fact, attending ya says, “It was a great way for the kids
filiated, interfaith or nontraditional. events such as Jewsapa- to have fun for Passover while coming
According to Jessi Sheslow, Teen loosa, picnics, challah together safely, searching for the bro-
& Family Programs Manager, who bakes and holiday cele- ken matzah piece and celebrating one
oversees PJ Library of Sarasota-Mana- brations convinced Pri- of our traditions.”
tee and PJ Our Way (ages 8-12), “Free, ya to get involved. Being the chair rewards Priya mul-
age-appropriate books are mailed “Becoming a net- tifold. “Relationships,” she says, with-
monthly from PJ Library. We also have work of families and out pausing. “We want families to find
a small collection, which we’ll expand sharing with new something they like or to connect with
when our new campus debuts.” friends about PJ Library a new family. We have an amazing
Supporting this endeavor as Chair is exciting,” says Priya. team that makes it happen.”
of the PJ Library Advisory Committee “I want to ensure that Priya’s volunteering – also at Tem-
is Priya Weiman-Parikh. As liaison be- our children embrace ple Emanu-El, Sarasota Memorial Hos-
tween young families and Federation, their religion because pital and Manatee Memorial Hospital
she supports Jessi and Mary Gordon they feel comfortable.” – speaks volumes of her dedication to
(MG) Berman, PJ Community Con- Jessi and MG have Tikkun Olam. After Temple Emanu-El
nector, who welcomes families, intro- only praise for Priya. was desecrated with antisemitic graffi-
ducing them to other members during Says Jessi, “Priya, as- ti last year, Priya joined her temple’s
coffee get-togethers. sisted by her committee, team, counteracting hate.
“PJ Library is an immersive expe- helps MG and me come “Inspiring people to focus on the
rience for a family to learn about and Priya Weiman-Parikh with her beautiful family up with innovative pro- good in this world, we encouraged
participate in Jewish holidays and cus- But what does PJ represent? “Paja- grams. Her warmth and diversity of members to paint positive messages on
toms, at home and with the communi- mas,” of course, according to the Foun- ideas enhance our PJ Library family.” rocks we provided,” says Priya. “In-
ty,” says Priya. dation, which is also the benefactor of Priya learned about PJ Library cluded in High Holiday bags for the
Thanks to the generosity of the our community’s treasured LIFE & after relocating to Sarasota from Cin- Jewish New Year, these ‘gifts’ were for
Harold Grinspoon Foundation, PJ LEGACY program. cinnati with her husband David. A everyone in the community.”
®
Library is another way of instilling Priya explains, “Families usually commercial banker, she was born in Priya has also helped local hospi-
Jewish identity and love of Israel – cor- read bedtime stories to their children Mumbai, India. tals by providing supplies to first re-
nerstones of the Federation mission. who are wearing pajamas. And there’s “My Indian identity is a corner- sponders during the pandemic.
According to the Federation’s 2019 something magical when families share stone of who I am,” says Priya. “My PJ stands for “Pajamas,” but for
husband’s devotion to Israel (his birth Priya, it also stands for “Pastime Joy,”
home) contributes to our identity.” especially soaking in the sun at the
Exemplifying many parents asso- beach with a great book and a family
Temple Beth Sholom ciated with PJ Library, the Weimans picnic. But her most favorite activity is

Sarasota's Conservative Synagogue try to incorporate Judaism and Israel being on their boat.
Welcomes all to join us for into the rhythm of their lives, making “PJ Library, a testament to our
Shabbat, High Holy Day & Festival Services it meaningful and fun for their children thriving community, is perfect for
Aitan (one-year-old son) and Kohav making friends who have similar inter-
May your year be filled with an abundance of (two-year-old daughter). ests,” says Priya.
As life returns to “normal,” Priya
Priya points out that Animals of
happiness, good health, and harmony! Israel is Kohav’s favorite PJ book be- hopes that all family-friendly events
cause she mimics the sounds they make. will once again be in person, with
Covid has created challenges but mom/dad nights too. we
also opportunities. Last summer, Priya Nothing will undermine PJ Li- for you
and her husband provided a Facebook brary, whether or not pajamas are
video of the Weiman-family Shabbat, worn, because this successful program because we CARE about you.
complete with candle lighting, prayers “Promotes Judaism.”
and songs. If you are interested in volunteering,
“What’s most important,” says there are many ways to contribute and
L'Shanah Tovah Tikatevu! Priya, “is ensuring that our communi- be part of the volunteer life at the Fed-
eration. For more information, please
ty stays intact. Safety, Zoom fatigue
and our kids’ limited attention spans contact Jeremy Lisitza, Director of In-
Rosh Hashanah Services Yom Kippur Services prompted us to start thinking about the novation and Volunteer Engagement, We believe your doctor should get to know you personally, have

Rosh Hashanah Eve Kol Nidre best way to engage with families in this at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org. the flexibility to see you at any time, and commit to delivering
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