Page 44 - Jewish News_January 2022

8B January 2022 FOCUS ON YOUTH

Tu B’Shevat “rooted”

in early learning

A program of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, PJ Library & PJ
Our Way engages children between birth and age 12, and their families, with
books and activities that enhance their Jewish journey. Throughout the year,
families gather for story times and other special programs where they can
socialize and meet new friends. PJ is for any family raising Jewish children –
affiliated, unaffiliated, interfaith or non-traditional. The program is completely
free for families, thanks to the generosity of The Harold Grinspoon Founda-
tion, Edie and David Chaifetz, the Federation and other generous donors.

READ—GATHER—GROW Let’s branch out
By MG Berman, PJ Community Connector
PJ Library has partnered with The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee s we come closer to the read longer and more complicated or early childhood educators in
®
to provide families raising Jewish children with the gift of free, high-quality time when we celebrate Tu books. a Jewish setting, Tu B’Shevat is
children’s books, music, and resources that foster deeper engagement with AB’Shvat, I look at the trees Gather and connect Fa wonderful holiday that allows
Jewish life in our community. and start thinking of everything they Trees provide a beautiful canopy for us to celebrate the trees, our roots, our
Join one of our PJ programs below have to offer us. families and friends to gather under. natural world and so much more. It
to start enhancing your family’s Jewish journey. can be a springboard to examine our
We are also fortu- Trees are rooted to their environment
nate to have many for nourishment, enrichment and con- earth and our personal history through
Children 6 mo. - 8 yrs. Children 8 - 12 things we can of- nection. Similarly, we Jews are like the a Jewish lens.
fer the trees. Trees trees. Roots connect trees to the land The holiday is often referred to as
are more than and we as a people are rooted together the Birthday of the Trees. Children and
just something to in our love, faith and passion for Ju- their teachers have birthday parties for
Sign-up at Sign-up at climb on and pro- daism and family. As Jews, we gather the trees in and around their schools
JFEDSRQ.org/PJ pjourway.org MG Berman viders of fresh air weekly for Shabbat, which connects us and homes. Songs are sung, stories are
told and projects are created all for the
to one another rooted in our principles.
to breathe. This
For more information, contact year we will celebrate Tu B’Shvat on If we are fortunate, we can share Shab- trees. More often in modern times the
Jessi Sheslow Monday, January 17. bat lunch or dinner under a tree, build- observance of the holiday has an eco-
jsheslow@jfedsrq.org Trees themselves have many les- ing memories together. logical emphasis. The science lessons
941.343.2109 sons to teach and share with us, such Each year, we watch our children that can be explored are numerous.
PJ Library Sarasota-Manatee is generously Teachers can talk about what trees give
funded in part by Edie and David Chaifetz. as: and ourselves change and grow. Simi-
Slow and steady lar to trees, it takes patience, and slow
Trees take time to grow and mature to and steady growth to be the best we
be the best they can be. It doesn’t hap- can be. As we branch out and try new
pen overnight; instead, it takes years. things, we learn to take it slow and sa-
One similarity of slow and steady is vor each step. Trees show us that it is
with our teeth. They don’t fall out all necessary to be rooted and grounded
at once; they fall out one at a time. It as well as healthy and vibrant while
takes time for our baby teeth to make pushing through obstacles. I challenge
Circle room for our big teeth. you to grow a tree and let your family
Patience
watch it grow and change as you do.
Havdalah Just as trees take time to grow, so do Take pictures to document it over time
and you will see just how far you have
we. We must be patient after planting
Join us for this socially to let them grow. Another example of come.
distant, but in-person, patience that people have in common To learn more or talk more, please
family event! with trees is with reading. We don’t reach out to me at mgberman@jfedsrq.
read chapter books the first time we org.
pick up a book. It is a progression from For more information about PJ Li-
the simple alphabet to small words to brary, contact Jessi Sheslow, Teen &
high-frequency words and, over time Family Programs Manager, at jshes
Tailgating takes on a whole new meaning with the spirituality of a and with patience, we learn how to low@jfedsrq.org or at 941.343.2109.
Community Havdalah! The Havdalah blessings will take place
Thank Y
ou
center circle. A special Havdalah craft will be provided. Thank You
Impact
WHEN
Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 4:30pm for your Imp a c t
WHERE
The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee
580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota (parking lot)

This is a FREE event, but we ask you to please register
so that we can anticipate the size of our car circle.
Register at JFEDSRQ.org/PJ

Event
7
,
$584,827
$584
82
Partners
was invested in 2020 in worldwide community needs
QUESTIONS? Contact Jessi Sheslow at
jsheslow@jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2109. If you would like to help more,
please visit JFEDSRQ.ORG/donate