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.

Friends
Education
Camp
Teens
Grandparents
Family Programming
Our Investments

Two children sitting on the floor reading a book

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.

Enroll here

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.

Learn more

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.

Jewish Education in Greater Washington

Three little boys holding worms in their hands

Preschools

Discover nurturing Jewish preschools where little learners grow, play, and connect.

Explore Preschools

Three girls smiling together in front of a wall of artwork

Jewish Day Schools

Explore Jewish day schools that challenge the mind, nurture the spirit, and build lifelong Jewish identity.

Explore Jewish Day Schools

Children standing on a bimah with prayer books

Religious Education

Jewish learning goes beyond Hebrew school. Explore meaningful learning that deepens identity and fits your life.

Find a religious school

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.

Explore Camps

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.

Explore how

A grandfather and his grandson, both wearing kippot, sit at a desk in a classroom

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.

Resources to stay close, Jewishly

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

Building Jewish Community from Day One

Through a new funding opportunity, Federation invites local organizations to create programs for children ages 0–8 and their parents—helping families connect early to Jewish life, community, and one another.

Where Jewish Belonging Takes Root, for Generations

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.

From Intention to Action: What JDAIM Is Teaching Our Community About Inclusion

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.

Finding Light: Ori’s Journey as a Shlicha in Greater Washington

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.

How Do I Support My Disabled Child With Bar Mitzvah Prep?

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.

Thinking About What Truly Shapes Jewish Life

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.