Discover nurturing Jewish preschools where little learners grow, play, and connect.
Families with Children
Jewish family life is full of meaningful moments
Whether you’re parenting young children, grandparenting with heart, or showing up as a chosen auntie, uncle, or family friend, you play a powerful role. We're here to help you find connection, support, and Jewish joy at every stage.
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
Extend the experience beyond the books with local family programs, Jewish holiday ideas, book highlights, and resources for families with young children.
Explore 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.
Explore Preschools
Explore Jewish day schools that challenge the mind, nurture the spirit, and build lifelong Jewish identity.
Jewish learning goes beyond Hebrew school. Explore meaningful learning that deepens identity and fits your life.
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.
Explore More
Through a new endowment with the Jewish Community Foundation, Rhea Schwartz is investing in Jewish summer camp—helping more children experience the belonging that shaped her life and ensuring camps remain safe, welcoming spaces for generations to come.
read more
This JDAIM, we reflect on how Jewish organizations are moving from good intentions to sustainable systems of inclusion for young adults with disabilities—turning learning into action across the region.
read more
Ori, a Federation shlicha (Israeli emissary), brings Israel to life for kids and families across Greater Washington with honesty and heart—sharing its complexities, creativity, and joy through Federation’s Shlichim Program and hands-on educational experiences.
read more
For families with children who have learning disabilities or unique needs, traditional B’nai Mitzvah ceremonies may feel out of reach. But Jewish tradition allows for meaningful, personalized celebrations—because becoming B’nai Mitzvah is about age, not performance.
read more
What if the key to a stronger Jewish future lies not in new ideas, but in scaling what already works? Federation explores how proven experiences—like camp, Israel trips, and Shabbat dinners—can drive lasting impact and connection in our community.
read more
From sunrise tefillah to lifelong friendships, Jewish summer camp is transformative—and financial support like One Happy Camper makes it possible for families across Greater Washington to give their children this powerful experience.
read more
28 events found.
Events
Calendar of 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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1 event,
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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0 events,
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0 events,
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1 event,
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
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3 events,
Best suited for ages 0 – 3 years old (older sibling’s welcome!)
$280
Join Potomac Soccer for some silly soccer fun. Kids will learn age-appropriate skills that will keep your toddler engaged and foster a love for the game.
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Come dressed in your PJs, for songs, stories, and a bedtime snack as we say goodbye to Shabbat and get ready for sweet dreams. Families will also create their own […]
Free
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1 event,
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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1 event,
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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1 event,
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Learn about our wonderful preschool and meet our teachers. Registration is required. To register, contact preschool@etzhayim.net. To learn more, please visit https://www.etzhayim.net/preschool/about.
Free
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0 events,
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1 event,
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
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2 events,
Best suited for ages 0 – 3 years old (older sibling’s welcome!)
$280
Join Potomac Soccer for some silly soccer fun. Kids will learn age-appropriate skills that will keep your toddler engaged and foster a love for the game. |
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1 event,
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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1 event,
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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1 event,
Join our youngest TBS friends for Tot Shabbat as we sing, dance, craft, and pray? A pizza dinner will follow the service.
Free
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1 event,
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1 event,
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2 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
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5 events,
Best suited for ages 0 – 3 years old (older sibling’s welcome!)
$280
Join Potomac Soccer for some silly soccer fun. Kids will learn age-appropriate skills that will keep your toddler engaged and foster a love for the game. 
Sing, Dance, and Celebrate Shabbat! Tot Shabbat is a welcoming, musical Shabbat experience for families with young children. Gather with us on select Saturday mornings at 11:00 am to sing, […] |
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5 events,
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Join us for a sweet Hamantaschen Baking Event designed just for families with young children! We'll roll, fill, and fold our very own hamantaschen to take home and eat. With […]
Free
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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Sunday, February 22 @ 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm, drop-in during those hours Join us for a meaningful and fun-filled afternoon as we celebrate Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion […]
$20
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1 event,
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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1 event,
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Join MoED, in partnership with Federation, for a program featuring leading scholars to explore thoughtful and practical approaches to Israel education and engagement after October 7.
$20
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0 events,
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0 events,
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2 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
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"The Wizard of Oz," "The Wiz," "Wicked" — these are the inspirations for this year’s Washington Hebrew Congregation Purim shpiel: PURIM IN OZ! Whether you want to dress as the […]
Free
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2 events,
Best suited for ages 0 – 3 years old (older sibling’s welcome!)
$280
Join Potomac Soccer for some silly soccer fun. Kids will learn age-appropriate skills that will keep your toddler engaged and foster a love for the game. |
Behind the scenes, this work is sustained through careful investment in trusted partners, innovative programs, and community-wide initiatives. Together, these investments help families with young children find connection, belonging, and meaningful Jewish life across Greater Washington.
Signature Initiatives
Region-wide programs that reach thousands of families each year:
- Expanding access through PJ Library, Harold Grinspoon Foundation, $284,700
- Building relationships with JFamily Ambassadors, Bender JCC of Greater Washington, $67,500
- Building relationships with JFamily Ambassadors, Edlavitch DCJCC, $67,500
- Building relationships with JFamily Ambassadors, Pozez JCCNV, $67,500
Synagogue & Community Programs
Local initiatives that bring families together in Jewish life across Greater Washington:
- Connecting families through The Micah Storefront Project, Temple Micah, $54,000
- Celebrating Shabbat with DC Musical Shabbat, DC Musical Shabbat, $47,000
- Supporting parents with Bereshit: Parenting in Community, New Synagogue Project, $40,000
- Welcoming young families through Young Family Engagement on the Hill, Hill Havurah, $26,250
- Engaging families with Family Engagement Coordinator, B’nai Israel Congregation, $15,000
- Supporting new parents through First Years, Washington Hebrew Congregation, $10,000
- Creating community with Agudas Achim Young Families Outreach Initiative, Agudas Achim Congregation, $9,000
- Gathering families for Shabbat Dinners for Young Families, Tikvat Israel, $6,000
- Building Jewish homes with Young Families Birkat Habayit: A Year of Jewish Homebuilding, Congregation Olam Tikvah, $6,300
- Learning and play through Play with Purpose, Congregation Etz Hayim, $3,000
Sustainability Grants
Additional support to help promising programs grow stronger and last longer:
- Expanding leadership capacity with Congregation Etz Hayim, part-time staff to grow home-hosted programs, $10,000
- Strengthening strategy at DC Musical Shabbat, planning and fundraising for long-term growth, $20,000
- Investing in growth at Tikvat Israel, professional staff support and community fundraiser, $15,000