Page 36 - Jewish News_February-2021

36A February 2021 FOCUS ON YOUTH

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.

Staying connected to your grandkids

during the pandemic

By Jessi Sheslow, Teen and Family Programs Manager
any of us have had to learn children and grandchildren breathe for keeping in contact no matter how and how to build those bonds even
how to love and stay con- new life into us, and this pandemic has far away you are. PJ Library of Sara- over the internet. Be with us for an in-
Mnected to our family from kept us away from each other for much sota-Manatee is hosting a program teresting conversation about the how’s,
a distance, even before the pandem- longer than we anticipated. JUST FOR GRANDPARENTS! what’s and why’s of grandparenting at
ic. What’s different between then and A staggering 76% (according to Join us on Zoom, on Tuesday, its best in 2021!
now? Pre-Covid, you could jump on a the AARP) of grandparents haven’t February 9 at 10:00 a.m. to hear from Register online at jfedsrq.org/pj.
plane and be there for a Bat Mitzvah or hugged or touched any of their grand- Federation’s Trudi Krames, a Jewish For more information about this pro-
a Bris or even just because you missed children since March 2020. While only educational professional for almost 30 gram or PJ Library, please contact me
your family. Pre-Covid, you were out science can help us get back into each years. Trudi will engage us in a discus- at 941.343.2109 or jsheslow@jfedsrq.
and about and unaffected by pandem- other’s arms safely, we certainly can sion to help you better understand how org.
ic-related sadness or depression. Our help you learn new ways and trends to keep your grandchildren’s attention
Purim fun for everyone STAY CONNECTED

By MG Berman, PJ Library Community Connector STAY CONNECTED
A Esther’s place as a heroine of the Jew-
little Purim history lesson
This event in history cemented
first…
Long, long ago in a land called
Persia, King Ahasuerus dethroned his ish people and established the holiday
of Purim. Today, it is celebrated by
Queen Vashti. Esther, a young Jewish wearing costumes and exchanging gifts
girl from the outskirts of town, catch- of food and drink known as a mish- facebook.com/jfedsrq
es the king’s eye and is crowned queen loach manot, as well as donating to the
after winning a beauty contest. Haman, poor, known as mattanot la-evyonim.
a political ally and confidant of the This year, the holiday of Purim will be Instagram.com/jfedsrq
King, is promoted to vizier, a modern celebrated February 25-26. Hayes Frandsen hugs Menschy, Community
Day’s mascot, after receiving her hanukkiah
day “Chief of Staff.” This promotion As Purim is one of the most enter-
makes Haman more powerful than all taining Jewish holidays, we will cele-
other officials. He decides all should brate with our PJ Library families by
bow to him when in his presence. Mor- hosting a Costume Parade on Sunday,
dechai, Esther’s uncle and an intellec- February 21 for the residents at Aviva
tual in the King’s court, refuses to bow - A Campus for Senior Life. We will
to Haman, knowing how undeserving practice safe, socially distant protocols, OF SARASOTA-MANATEE
he was of the promotion. He later un- share “lots” of smiles and have “lots”
covers Haman’s plot to destroy the of fun. (Purim literally means “lots.”)
Jewish people. In your Federation eblasts, you
Mordechai tells Esther. Using the will find our monthly WPJSRQ vid-
love and admiration the King has for eo link and activity pack with more
her means she might have a chance of Purim-related information, games and
saving her people. The two hatch a plan coloring for everyone.
to expose Haman to the King at a ban- For more information about PJ
quet. While at the festive event, Esther Library and PJ Our Way, or to register
accuses Haman of plotting to destroy for the Costume Parade, please contact Put on your costumes and bring smiles to the residents
the Jewish people. The King believes me at mgpjconnector@gmail.com, or of Aviva Senior Living!
his wife, and Haman is condemned to Jessi Sheslow at jsheslow@jfedsrq.org
die by gallows built by the Jews. or 941.343.2109. Sunday, February 21
Join us on

we are FED will come closer to the event to those who register.
2:30 pm

We will be CDC Compliant, and more details

This is for ALL ages, so come and show off

Educating Jewish Minds your best Queen Esther or Haman costume!
Please register for this FREE program at
JFEDSRQ.org/PJ

our Federation is dedicated to educating Jewish minds — from Holocaust and civil rights
Yeducation to Israeli history and advocacy through our Heller CRC, to reaching young children For more information, contact Jessi Sheslow at
and their parents through PJ Library, to an array of adult education offerings. We also take great jsheslow@jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2109.
pride in educating the interfaith community on Jewish history and antisemitism.

jfedsrq.org • 941.371.4546