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. Federation is 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 events across our community.
Parents and grandparents alike can sign up the kids they love—and start creating lasting Jewish memories, one book at a time.
Our PJ Library newsletters extend that experience beyond the books
Inside, you’ll find family programs, Jewish holiday ideas, book highlights, and local 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 do Jewish, 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 fun, meaningful, and just right for you.
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 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 identity.
There’s more to Jewish education than Hebrew school. Explore meaningful learning that deepens identity and fits your life.
Camp
Jewish summer camp is where joy goes
It’s where kids grow in independence, self-esteem, 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, we’re making sure 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 is powerful. 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, we’ve gathered ideas and resources to 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
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
Since August, more than 120 families across the DMV have hosted PJ Library Get Togethers—sharing challah, crafts, and community, and making Jewish life joyful, personal, and deeply connected.
read more
When Olivia Hazlett moved to DC in 2020, her approach to building Jewish community was simple: invite people in. Now leading Moishe Houses across the Mid-Atlantic, she’s proving that authentic connection, consistency, and warmth are key to engaging young adults in Jewish life.
read more
A new school in the Galilee—the first in 47 years—is part of Homeward/Habaita, a bold initiative strengthening Israeli communities through education. See how your support is helping 36,000+ students thrive in the face of crisis.
read more
Every gift to Federation helps someone feel connected, supported, and seen—from teens finding their place in Jewish life to families in crisis and communities strengthened by security and care.
read more
Jordyn Barry is building Jewish community one coffee at a time, connecting students and young adults across Northern Virginia through George Mason Hillel’s growing outreach beyond campus.
read more
35 events found.
Calendar of Events
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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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1 event,
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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0 events,
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1 event,
Registration Opens October 27th for members and non-members Wednesdays @ 10:30 AM Dates: 11/19/25 – 1/28/26 Skip Dates: 11/26, 12/24, 12/31 Best suited for ages 0 – 3 years old […]
$85
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1 event,
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Welcome to the Gan – a joyfully Jewish preschool for children 12 months through PreK4, along with a family center & perinatal support. Gan runs 12 months a year, 8:00am-6pm, […]
Free
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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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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
MILTON invites your 3rd-5th grader to come create and code with Ozobots! Please join us in the Design Lab at Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School for an exploration of Ozobots […]
Free
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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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2 events,
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Welcome to the Gan – a joyfully Jewish preschool for children 12 months through PreK4, along with a family center & perinatal support. Gan runs 12 months a year, 8:00am-6pm, […]
Free
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Zachary Klaiman founder of Ztech, LLC provides technology tutoring and support to help individuals with all types of tech needs and concerns. Klaiman specializes in assisting people from the older generation […] |
1 event,
Registration Opens October 27th for members and non-members Wednesdays @ 10:30 AM Dates: 11/19/25 – 1/28/26 Skip Dates: 11/26, 12/24, 12/31 Best suited for ages 0 – 3 years old […]
$85
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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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0 events,
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0 events,
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1 event,
Registration Opens October 27th for members and non-members Wednesdays @ 10:30 AM Dates: 11/19/25 – 1/28/26 Skip Dates: 11/26, 12/24, 12/31 Best suited for ages 0 – 3 years old […]
$85
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1 event,
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Five-session series for anyone high-school aged and older. In-depth exploration of faith traditions that surround us, including Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, and Islam. Paul Berman, who has taught comparative religion to […]
$36
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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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2 events,
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Join us for a Pajamuary Teddy Bear Story time! Wear your pajamas, bring your favorite stuffy and a set of new pajamas to donate to the community. Enjoy storytime, singing […]
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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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
Join us to learn about Camp Yavneh, meet staff and campers, and discover what makes our camp community so special! Monday, January 26 - 7 pm, Chevy Chase, MD Tuesday, […]
Free
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3 events,
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First global gathering of grandparents with Jewish grandchildren featuring clinical psychologist and social media megastar Dr. Becky Kennedy and expert-led sessions around shared interests.
$36
Join us to learn about Camp Yavneh, meet staff and campers, and discover what makes our camp community so special! Monday, January 26 - 7 pm, Chevy Chase, MD Tuesday, […]
Free
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Temple Rodef Shalom’s Early Childhood Center offers joyful, play-based learning for 2’s, 3’s, 4’s, Junior Kindergarten, and Kindergarten, with half-day, extended-day, and full-day options, plus parent-and-child programs. Join us for […]
Free
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1 event,
Registration Opens October 27th for members and non-members Wednesdays @ 10:30 AM Dates: 11/19/25 – 1/28/26 Skip Dates: 11/26, 12/24, 12/31 Best suited for ages 0 – 3 years old […]
$85
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1 event,
Join us to learn about Camp Yavneh, meet staff and campers, and discover what makes our camp community so special! Monday, January 26 - 7 pm, Chevy Chase, MD Tuesday, […]
Free
|
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
|
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. |
We’re helping parents of young children find connection and belonging through Jewish life, sharing meaningful experiences with their kids and with each other. From PJ Library to synagogue programs to JCC initiatives, these efforts nurture identity, spark joy, and strengthen community across Greater Washington. Together, we are giving young families the resources, experiences, and connections to begin their Jewish journeys with joy and belonging.
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