Discover nurturing Jewish preschools where little learners grow, play, and connect.
Families with Children
Jewish family life is full of meaningful moments
Free Jewish Books
PJ Library® (ages 0–8) and PJ Our Way™ (ages 9–12) bring free, age-appropriate Jewish books right to your mailbox. Powered locally by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington in partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, these programs spark joy, learning, and connection through stories and community experiences.
Parents, grandparents, and caregivers can sign up the kids they love—and start creating lasting Jewish memories, one book at a time.
PJ Library newsletters
Get Together!
PJ Library’s Get Together microgrant program helps you host friends for low-prep, Jewish-themed gatherings, with $100 in hosting support.
However you celebrate Jewish life, PJ Library makes it easier to enjoy Shabbat and holiday hangouts.
Family Concierge
Your JFamily Ambassador is your go-to Jewish connector—part guide, part cheerleader, all about your family. They’ll get to know you, make introductions, and help you plug into Jewish life that feels meaningful and doable.
JFamily Ambassador programs are locally run by the Bender JCC in Maryland, Edlavitch DCJCC in Washington, DC, and the Pozez JCC in Northern Virginia, and are proudly funded by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.
Camp
Jewish summer camp is where joy goes
Camp is where kids grow independence, confidence, and Jewish identity while making lifelong friends (and memories). Whether your child loves sports, singing, or sleeping under the stars, there’s a camp that fits and a summer they’ll never forget.
Capital Camps and Retreat Center
Teens
Helping Jewish teens find their people, their purpose, and their path
By supporting bold partnerships and creative programs, teens have access to meaningful, immersive, and welcoming experiences that build identity, leadership, and resilience.
Grandparents
L’dor vador, with love
As a grandparent, your hugs, stories, and traditions help shape your grandchild’s Jewish world. What you pass down—intentionally or in quiet moments—can spark joy, connection, and a lasting sense of belonging.
Whether you’re reading a PJ Library® book together, celebrating holidays side-by-side, or sharing a family recipe over video chat, your role in your grandchild’s Jewish journey matters. Here, you’ll find simple, meaningful ways to connect across generations and nurture Jewish identity with love.
Whether you live nearby or connect from afar, these resources help you share traditions, celebrate holidays, and nurture your grandchild’s Jewish journey:
- Kinzoo Together App Read PJ Library® books with your grandchild over a live video call.
- PJ Library® Grandparent Sign-Up Sign your grandchild up to receive free Jewish books—so you can read them together.
- StoryCorps Record and share meaningful stories from your life to preserve and pass on.
- Virtual Museum Field Trips Explore world-class museums together online—then share your favorite finds.
Events
Calendar of Events
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Sunday
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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Saturday
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4 events,
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Registration Opens October 27th Sundays @ 10:45 AM Dates: 11/23/25 – 2/1/26 Skip Dates: 11/30, 12/28 For ages 3–5. Doodlers love their soft, furry, feathery, purr-fect pets! It’s always a […]
$240
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Bring the kids and grandkids to JSSA Family Wellness Day, where you can explore hands-on activities, creative games, and helpful resources to support your family's physical, emotional, and social wellness.
Free
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3 events,
Registration Opens October 27th Mondays @ 8:45 AM Dates: 11/17/25 – 1/26/26 Skip Dates: 12/22, 12/29, 1/19 Includes parent-baby postures and massage techniques designed to promote bonding with each other […]
$215
Music helps to anchor a child’s cultural identity. Rhythm ‘N’ Ruach high energy music and movement to encourage joyful Jewish learning
$155.00 – $165.00
Participate in music with real instrument and yoga poses, creating an inspirational and educational experience.
$155.00 – $165.00
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2 events,
Crafty Tots is a multi-sensory experience designed for our littlest artists.
$75
Join us to explore these questions and examine how they have been understood and addressed across generations.
$80
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3 events,
Join us for some music, bubbles, and stories!! We will also leave plenty of free time for families to hang out and get to know each other.
$75
Learn more about our innovative, community-focused school for your children and grandchildren (ages 3–18).
Free
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Join us to discover how this early protest against Christian nationalism shaped the Jewish community’s long-term efforts to challenge religious influence in public life and trace the Christmas celebration dispute to the present day.
Free
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1 event,
Learn how to connect with your child using everyday items that you already have at home.
$75
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4 events,
Fridays @ 10:30 AM Dates: 11/21/25 – 1/30/26 Skip Dates: 11/28, 12/26 Best suited for ages 0 – 4 years old Join us for a fun-filled morning celebrating Shabbat. Learn […]
Free
Join us for a fun-filled morning celebrating Shabbat!
Free
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2 events,Best suited for ages 0 – 3 years old (older sibling’s welcome!)
$280
Build on your child’s natural enthusiasm for music and movement and learn the skills to support the natural process of music development. Pricing per family depends on how many children are enrolled in the class.
$1 – $160
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2 events,
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Join other Hill Havurah young families in the park for a joyful, kid-friendly pre-Rosh Hashanah gathering.
Registration Opens October 27th Sundays @ 10:45 AM Dates: 11/23/25 – 2/1/26 Skip Dates: 11/30, 12/28 For ages 3–5. Doodlers love their soft, furry, feathery, purr-fect pets! It’s always a […]
$240
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2 events,
Registration Opens October 27th Mondays @ 8:45 AM Dates: 11/17/25 – 1/26/26 Skip Dates: 12/22, 12/29, 1/19 Includes parent-baby postures and massage techniques designed to promote bonding with each other […]
$215
Music helps to anchor a child’s cultural identity. Rhythm ‘N’ Ruach high energy music and movement to encourage joyful Jewish learning
$155.00 – $165.00
|
3 events,
Crafty Tots is a multi-sensory experience designed for our littlest artists.
$75
Learn more about our innovative, community-focused school for your children and grandchildren (ages 3–18).
Free
Join us to explore these questions and examine how they have been understood and addressed across generations.
$80
|
1 event,
Join us for some music, bubbles, and stories!! We will also leave plenty of free time for families to hang out and get to know each other.
$75
|
1 event,
Learn how to connect with your child using everyday items that you already have at home.
$75
|
3 events,
Join us for a fun-filled morning celebrating Shabbat!
Free
Fridays @ 10:30 AM Dates: 11/21/25 – 1/30/26 Skip Dates: 11/28, 12/26 Best suited for ages 0 – 4 years old Join us for a fun-filled morning celebrating Shabbat. Learn […]
Free
Community members are invited to join us for meaningful alternative worship services and family-friendly experiences during Judaism's holiest season.
Free – $100
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8 events,Best suited for ages 0 – 3 years old (older sibling’s welcome!)
$280
Build on your child’s natural enthusiasm for music and movement and learn the skills to support the natural process of music development. Pricing per family depends on how many children are enrolled in the class.
$1 – $160
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Join us for a special Rosh Hashanah Family Service, filled with engaging prayers, fun activities, and sweet treats.
Free
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3 events,
Registration Opens October 27th Sundays @ 10:45 AM Dates: 11/23/25 – 2/1/26 Skip Dates: 11/30, 12/28 For ages 3–5. Doodlers love their soft, furry, feathery, purr-fect pets! It’s always a […]
$240
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Hear the shofar, explore our shofar display, and enjoy apples and honey, honey cake, Rosh Hashanah songs, all the shofar sounds.
Free
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3 events,
Registration Opens October 27th Mondays @ 8:45 AM Dates: 11/17/25 – 1/26/26 Skip Dates: 12/22, 12/29, 1/19 Includes parent-baby postures and massage techniques designed to promote bonding with each other […]
$215
Music helps to anchor a child’s cultural identity. Rhythm ‘N’ Ruach high energy music and movement to encourage joyful Jewish learning
$155.00 – $165.00
|
3 events,
Crafty Tots is a multi-sensory experience designed for our littlest artists.
$75
Join us to explore these questions and examine how they have been understood and addressed across generations.
$80
|
2 events,
Join us for some music, bubbles, and stories!! We will also leave plenty of free time for families to hang out and get to know each other.
$75
|
5 events,
Join New Moms Circle at the Bender JCC to find community and connection with others who are experiencing similar milestones and challenges.
$75.00
Learn how to connect with your child using everyday items that you already have at home.
$75
Learn more about our innovative, community-focused school for your children and grandchildren (ages 3–18).
Free
|
4 events,
Join other moms and babies (infants under 1 year) once a week when our Early Childhood Center is in session for a relaxed and supportive gathering.
Free – $18
Fridays @ 10:30 AM Dates: 11/21/25 – 1/30/26 Skip Dates: 11/28, 12/26 Best suited for ages 0 – 4 years old Join us for a fun-filled morning celebrating Shabbat. Learn […]
Free
Join us for a fun-filled morning celebrating Shabbat!
Free
|
4 events,Best suited for ages 0 – 3 years old (older sibling’s welcome!)
$280
Build on your child’s natural enthusiasm for music and movement and learn the skills to support the natural process of music development.
$1 – $280
Build on your child’s natural enthusiasm for music and movement and learn the skills to support the natural process of music development. Pricing per family depends on how many children are enrolled in the class.
$1 – $160
|
3 events,
Registration Opens October 27th Sundays @ 10:45 AM Dates: 11/23/25 – 2/1/26 Skip Dates: 11/30, 12/28 For ages 3–5. Doodlers love their soft, furry, feathery, purr-fect pets! It’s always a […]
$240
Community members are invited to join us for meaningful alternative worship services and family-friendly experiences during Judaism's holiest season.
Free – $100
|
7 events,
Registration Opens October 27th Mondays @ 8:45 AM Dates: 11/17/25 – 1/26/26 Skip Dates: 12/22, 12/29, 1/19 Includes parent-baby postures and massage techniques designed to promote bonding with each other […]
$215
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Join us for our Yom Kippur Family Service, a meaningful and engaging experience for the whole family.
Free
Music helps to anchor a child’s cultural identity. Rhythm ‘N’ Ruach high energy music and movement to encourage joyful Jewish learning
$155.00 – $165.00
|
3 events,
Join New Moms Circle at the Bender JCC to find community and connection with others who are experiencing similar milestones and challenges.
$75.00
Crafty Tots is a multi-sensory experience designed for our littlest artists.
$75
Join us to explore these questions and examine how they have been understood and addressed across generations.
$80
|
1 event,
Join us for some music, bubbles, and stories!! We will also leave plenty of free time for families to hang out and get to know each other.
$75
|
3 events,
Join New Moms Circle at the Bender JCC to find community and connection with others who are experiencing similar milestones and challenges.
$75.00
Learn how to connect with your child using everyday items that you already have at home.
$75
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They’ll entertain and delight with a program of upbeat klezmer music, along with some Yiddish folksong, jazz & swing.
$52
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3 events,
Join other moms and babies (infants under 1 year) once a week when our Early Childhood Center is in session for a relaxed and supportive gathering.
Free – $18
Fridays @ 10:30 AM Dates: 11/21/25 – 1/30/26 Skip Dates: 11/28, 12/26 Best suited for ages 0 – 4 years old Join us for a fun-filled morning celebrating Shabbat. Learn […]
Free
Join us for a fun-filled morning celebrating Shabbat!
Free
|
3 events,Best suited for ages 0 – 3 years old (older sibling’s welcome!)
$280
-
Build on your child’s natural enthusiasm for music and movement and learn the skills to support the natural process of music development. Pricing per family depends on how many children are enrolled in the class.
$1 – $160
|
2 events,
Registration Opens October 27th Sundays @ 10:45 AM Dates: 11/23/25 – 2/1/26 Skip Dates: 11/30, 12/28 For ages 3–5. Doodlers love their soft, furry, feathery, purr-fect pets! It’s always a […]
$240
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elebrate Sukkot and fulfill the special Shaking the Lulav and Etrog.
Free
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4 events,
Celebrate the fall harvest season with a fun, hands-on art and nature experience for children and families.
Registration Opens October 27th Mondays @ 8:45 AM Dates: 11/17/25 – 1/26/26 Skip Dates: 12/22, 12/29, 1/19 Includes parent-baby postures and massage techniques designed to promote bonding with each other […]
$215
Music helps to anchor a child’s cultural identity. Rhythm ‘N’ Ruach high energy music and movement to encourage joyful Jewish learning
$155.00 – $165.00
-
|
4 events,
Join New Moms Circle at the Bender JCC to find community and connection with others who are experiencing similar milestones and challenges.
$75.00
Crafty Tots is a multi-sensory experience designed for our littlest artists.
$75
Join us to explore these questions and examine how they have been understood and addressed across generations.
$80
|
3 events,
-
Discover wonder and adventure on a special group trip to D.C.’s newly redesigned National Geographic Museum of Exploration!
$75
Join us for some music, bubbles, and stories!! We will also leave plenty of free time for families to hang out and get to know each other.
$75
|
2 events,
Join New Moms Circle at the Bender JCC to find community and connection with others who are experiencing similar milestones and challenges.
$75.00
Learn how to connect with your child using everyday items that you already have at home.
$75
|
2 events,
Join other moms and babies (infants under 1 year) once a week when our Early Childhood Center is in session for a relaxed and supportive gathering.
Free – $18
Fridays @ 10:30 AM Dates: 11/21/25 – 1/30/26 Skip Dates: 11/28, 12/26 Best suited for ages 0 – 4 years old Join us for a fun-filled morning celebrating Shabbat. Learn […]
Free
|
2 events,Best suited for ages 0 – 3 years old (older sibling’s welcome!)
$280
Build on your child’s natural enthusiasm for music and movement and learn the skills to support the natural process of music development. Pricing per family depends on how many children are enrolled in the class.
$1 – $160
|
Region-wide programs that reach thousands of families each year:
- Expanding access through PJ Library, Harold Grinspoon Foundation, $292,390
- Building relationships with JFamily Ambassadors
- Bender JCC of Greater Washington, $80,000
- Pozez JCCNV, $80,000
- Washington Hebrew Congregation, $40,000
- Milton Gottesman Day School, $40,000
Local initiatives that bring families together in Jewish life across Greater Washington:
- Beth El Hebrew Congregation, $16,500: A monthly Havdalah program helping families connect and make Jewish choices at home.
- Congregation Etz Hayim, $10,000: Jewish Family Discovery Days build parent connections, community, and early Jewish identity.
- Congregation Olam Tikvah, $2,500: A family-centered Jewish book festival engaging young children through stories and celebration.
- Edlavitch DCJCC: Day at the J, $30,000: Day at the J offers young families Jewish play, parent connection, and shared Havdalah.
- Hill Havurah: Tiny Torah, $30,000: Tiny Torah creates low-barrier, play-based Jewish connections for Capitol Hill families.
- Meshek DC, $18,000: Connects Israeli-American families through holidays, Hebrew, and everyday community.
- Mishkan Torah Greenbelt Synagogue, $23,500: Family programming helps children and parents explore Jewish traditions, friendships, and community.
- Petworth Peanuts, $15,000: Engages Jewish families with young children through accessible experiences that build connection and identity.
- Pozez JCCNV and Gesher Jewish Day School, $30,000: Parenting Without Walls creates a support network for families raising Jewish children across NoVA.
- Temple Shalom, $20,000: Welcomes young families into Jewish community during key moments of growth and decision-making.
- Temple Rodef Shalom, $7,000: Tot Mitzvah helps young families build Jewish ritual confidence and connect with one another.