PJ Library! Family Events!
PJ Library! Family Events!
This is the home for family friendly events! Updated weekly
Scroll down for events
Sign up for PJ Library
A gift of Jewish storybooks delivered each month from JCVT and generous donors in the Vermont Jewish community and beyond.
PJ Library sends curated, award-winning storybooks and activities for kids from birth through age 12.
The program sparks meaningful conversation and provides opportunities to explore and celebrate Jewish life together.
PJ Library in vermont
PJ LIBRARY CELEBRATES 50 MILLION BOOKS
PJ Library in Vermont, now in our fourteenth year, is a program of Jewish Communities of Vermont. We partner with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation to send a gift of monthly Jewish children's books to families across Vermont.
We know that something magical happens when parents sit down together to read with their children. PJ Library shares Jewish stories that can help your family talk together about values and traditions that are important to you. Your children are constantly learning about the world around them through the stories they hear. PJ Library books can bring Jewish ideas and inspiration for you and your children to share together.
We also offer ways for families to meet each other through in-person and virtual family gatherings led by PJ Parent Connectors and other leaders in the community. We offer monthly Shabbat and holiday gatherings, gardening opportunities, meet-ups in different locations throughout Vermont and more!
Families raising kids from birth through 12 years old with Judaism as part of their lives, are welcome to sign up. PJ Library welcomes all Jewish families, whatever your background, knowledge, family make-up, or observance may be.
When your child is 8 ½, they are eligible for the next chapter of PJ Library called, “PJ Our Way.” Like PJ Library of Vermont, PJ Our Way is a monthly gift from many supporters throughout Vermont and beyond. Through PJ Our Way, children 9-12 are able to choose their own books each month, write reviews, make videos and are eligible to apply to be part of the PJ Our Way design team. Since it is a separate program, parents need to enroll their children by going to www.pjourway.org.
PJ Library in Vermont is made possible by donations from people like you including parents, grandparents and community members and through partnering with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. For books alone, our cost per child is $40/year. Pay it forward to help another family become part of the Jewish story in Vermont!
For more information, contact our PJ Library of Vermont Director, Rabbi Tobie Weismann : rebtobie@jcvt.org
April 17 7PM
Becoming Jewish Adults
Hosted by JCVT
With the support of a generous donor, JCVT is offering 3 scholarships for families who would like to give their children a Jewish day school education, but need some financial help to do so. Click here to apply!
Click here to fill out scholarship application
Scroll down this page for information about Tamim Academy!
DO YOU HAVE A YOUNG JEWISH ATHLETE? IF SO, READ ON!!
The JCC of Greater Boston is sending a delegation of athletes to this Summer’s JCC Maccabi Games in Detroit (Bloomfield), Michigan.
The games will take place between July 28-August 2, and athletes between the ages of 12-16 years are eligible to compete in the following sports: baseball, basketball, ice hockey, girls volleyball, golf, soccer, table tennis, tennis, star reporter, swimming, dance.
This is a fabulous opportunity as 1,800 Jewish teens from all around the world converge for this year’s games. Join Jewish teens from North and South America, Israel, Europe, and beyond for a chance to make new friends, compete in exciting sports, and have the time of your life!
K&G Passover Palooza
It's Pesach and we're celebrating the holiday of freedom. Rabbi David is back! Join us for games, story, music and delcious matzah brei! Bring your favorite stuffie to dance and play with Tzipi the curious bird and Gamal the camel. For families with children from birth to 6 years old.
Star Wars Themed Havdalah
KOL HA'EMEk & DARTMOUTH HILLEL
A STAR WARS-THEMED
HAVDALAH STORYTIME
WHAT: MARK THE END OF SHABBAT WITH DARTMOUTH STUDENTS READING TO JEWISH CHILDREN AGES 3-8
ENJOY MILK AND COOKIES!
SING HAVDALAH MUSIC & LIGHT CANDLES (LIGHT SABERS)
WHEN: SATURDAY, MAY 4TH, AT 5:30-6:30 PM
WHERE: ROTH CENTER LOUNGE (DOWNSTAIRS ON THE BIG RED COUCHES!)
MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU
Young Families Playgroup
The Temple Sinai Young Families Program…
In May, our final playgroup for the school year will be something a bit different! Weather permitting, the Young Families will meet at Oakledge Park on Sunday, May 5th at 9:30-11am for playtime on the playground there. Bring a blanket and plan to enjoy the accessible playground and perhaps take a walk together. I will send an email on Friday, May 3rd to confirm this plan once we have a weather forecast!
Designed for ages 0-6, but all are welcome!
For more information, please contact Aimee Hutton.
Mother’s Day on the Farm
Music and farm fun for the family
Families with young children are invited to honor our mothers and Mother Earth with a morning on the farm. We’ll share in song, story, and the joys of planting in the spring. Some of what is planted will be donated to the local food pantry.
When: Sunday, May 12 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Where: Living Tree Alliance, under the tent in the field, park at 96 Living Tree Lane
Who: Young children (1–7 years old) and their families; older siblings welcome
We’ll start the morning with song and movement under the tent with Miss Andrea from Musical Munchkins.
Then, we’ll have fun on the farm:
Decorating and planting flowerpots to give to moms and grandmothers
Planting veggies in the garden that will be harvested later for the food shelf
Visiting farm animals
While children are enjoying the farm with LTA’s farm educators, parents are invited for a discussion about bringing meaningful ritual into your child’s life with educator Melanie Grubman.
Schedule
10–10:45 am: Musical Munchkins with Miss Andrea (geared for families of young children with farm & mother themes)
10:45 am: Healthy snack time
11am–12 pm: Decorate flowerpots for mom, plant veggies for the food bank
12–12:30 pm: bring your own picnic lunch to eat under the tent with short discussion about bringing ritual in your own home
Many thanks to our sponsors: Jewish Communities of VT and JCOGS.
Shabbat Hop at the Roth Center
Shabbat Hop at the Roth Center with Alane Sabel from JFNH
Community Purim Celebration
Come celebrate Purim at Israel Congregation!
Sunday, March 24th, 5:00 pm
Beth Jacob Anual Purim Party
Come celebrate Purim with us! Our
annual Purim Party is fun for all ages! Wear a costume and be ready for mask
making and face painting! Hear a section of the megillah, and of course, stay for pizza and
hamantaschen!
Purim At The Stadium
3:30 Megillah Reading
4:15 Concession dinner stand, sports arcade & halftime show
Purim Celebration
Purim Celebration
On March 24, the Young Families Program will be hosting a Purim Celebration from 3-5pm. We will have lots of fun crafts and other things to do. Please come dressed in costume as there will be a costume parade! All children will receive a participation award for being in the costume parade.
Each family will receive a Purim basket/mishloach manot to bring home. In order to have enough baskets, please let me know if you will be able to attend this event at: https://forms.gle/wnVbVejdxgZWZPeZ6.
A Celebration of Purim
A Celebration of Purim
11 am • Sunday, March 24
Megillah Reading • Purim Schpiel • Catered lunch
Costumes Encouraged
Thursday is the cutoff date to RSVP. Call the office at 802-442-9645 or email cbevtoffice@gmail.com
Sugar and Schmooze
Celebrate Purim and early spring in the sugarbush!
See an old-school sugar operation that the Crowley Family runs at Living Tree and share in the joy of fresh sap and syrup and the coming of spring. We’ll parade to wake up Mother Earth and honor the Jewish festival of Purim, and we’ll also celebrate with the traditional Purim customs of creating gifts for others and performing skits (in the sugarbush—Living Tree-style). Hibernation season is over, so lets celebrate! People of all faiths are welcome.
Come in costume, if you’d like!
Be prepared to walk down a muddy path to the sugar house.
Bring cash or check to purchase fresh maple syrup to bring home or gift to someone.
Admission based on sliding-scale donation: $8–$25 per person or $18–$54 per family suggested. Funds support community programming and outdoor education.
UVJC Purim Party
UVJC Purim Party
Saturday, March 23, 6 pm to 8 pm
RSVP by March 20
Zoom for the Megillah reading,
which will begin at 7:30 pm
Happy Purim!
It's time to celebrate together with the entire community.
This event promises to be fun for all ages.
Get dressed up in your favorite costume or just grab a funny hat or accessory.
Here's what we're planning:
-Disco party and music
-Vashti's Vine Bar and Mordechai's Mocktails
[including: Long Island Vash-tea, Mordechai's Mojito, Esther's Persia-Politain
-Pizza, salads and hamantaschen
-Purim Pinata and games for the kids
-Havdallah
-Dramatic reading in Hebrew/English of the "whole megillah"
RSVP by March 20 so that we'll know how much pizza to order.
Please sign up to bring a salad and/or a batch of hamantaschen.
Here are a few recipes:
And, bring along a box or many boxes of mac n cheese.
These will serve as our groggers and then be donated to the Haven to fulfill the Purim mitzvah of feeding those in need.
Looking forward to celebrating and having some Purim fun together.
JCOGS PuRiM Party!
5 pm Festival of Fools
5:30 Persian Potluck Picnic
6:00 pm Megillah reading
6:30 Just Come On Get Silly Spiel
7:00 pm Disco Dance Party! with Sparkly Snacks and Sarah’s Sangria
Volunteers needed for: decorating, potluck coordinating, festival activity running, DJing , and spiel performing
Contact Beth to help out! beth.liberman@jcogs.org
Tot Shabbat
A Shabbat service designed to engage young children and their families. Snacks and social time will follow the service.
In Person Only
For more information about Young Families Programs email Aimee Hutton, Young Families Program Coordinator.
Tu biShvat Ice sculpture building Festival
We’re building a community ice sculpture in honor of our theme this year: ahavah/love. Come help build at 4pm! Lighting ceremony and a family-friendly Tu biShvat seder from 5 - 6 pm. Pizza and warm drinks will be served.
Adult volunteers needed to start the building earlier. Helping hands welcome on Tue 1/23 and Wed from 11-2 pm!
Kinderlach & Gesher explore Tikkun Olam, healing the world
Join Miss Rachel and Beth for a sweet Shabbat morning of song, story, and play as we explore the Jewish value of tikkun olam, healing the world. Bring your favorite stuffies to spend time with Shabbasuarus and Tzipi the curious bird.
Young Families Play Group
Young Families Play Group
Temple Sinai Social Hall
Young children and their families are invited to come play together.
TU BISHVAT:" BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR THE TREES!
Celebrate the deep beauty of mid-winter with Living Tree Alliance as we gather to honor the holiday of Tu BiShvat, the birthday of the trees. With programs for all ages, we’ll plant seeds of stewardship and intergenerational community-building.
We’ll gather 11 am to 2 pm, with three program options:
Contemplative showshoe/walk for adults. Led by Kohenet Sephirah Oshkello, we’ll snowshoe or walk through the woods on a contemplative journey inspired by the teachings of Jewish mystics, while appreciating and connecting with the tree community that lives here.
Outdoor family program. Led by primitive skills mentor Elliot Cluba of Herbs and Arrows and Living Tree Education Director Melanie Grubman, we’ll connect with the holiday through storytelling, forest games and tracking.
Music for little ones. Ms Andrea of Musical Munchkins will lead a joyful musical program for young children.
A few more details:
Be sure to dress warmly for outdoor activities.
If there's snow, you're invited to bring sleds, skiis, and snowshoes for outdoor fun on the property.
Snowshoes available for rent at Clearwater Sports
Bring food to share around the fire!
Mitzvah Weekend Literacy
Mitzvah Day Weekend
Did you know that only a third of fourth graders in America can read at a proficient level? Unfortunately, illiteracy impacts many children in Vermont, too. There are lifelong implications for children who don’t learn how to read, and they grow into adults who struggle with low literacy. This is a solvable problem! Learn how we can all work to change the early literacy crisis for all children and their families.
Kinderlach & Gesher celebrate Tu biShvat
Join Miss Rachel and Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor for a special gathering in honor of Tu biShvat, the birthday of the trees. Bring our favorite stuffies to join us in song and story as we celebrate the Jewish way of caring for the earth!
Tot Shabbat
Tot Shabbat is a Shabbat service designed to engage young children and their families. Snacks and social time will follow the service.
Playgroup
Bring your children (even ones who are in elementary school!) for some playtime with other Jewish families. We will have toys there to share but you are encouraged to bring ride-on or push toys! It looks like it will be a snowy and cold Sunday morning so let your child get their energy out in the social hall with other children.
Hanukkah Community Celebration
We are collecting for our neighbors in need. Please bring new hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves.
5 pm: It’s a latke and pizza party! Bring a plate of latkes or sweets to share. We will provide pizza.
5:15 pm: Kids' Hanukkah adventure with games, crafts, and stories!
6:30 pm: Community Candle Lighting – Bring your own menorah and candles and share in the beauty of our menorahs lit together in the Shul. This will be followed by our outdoor Hanukkah menorah lighting Services and candle lighting.
Come gather with friends and family for an evening of tradition and fun!
Activities are inside and out, so please dress accordingly for the celebration.
Menorah Lighting with the governor at the Statehouse
Join Jewish Communities of Vermont and Chabad of Vermont to celebrate the lighting of the Menorah on the State House steps with Governor Phil Scott and Jewish leaders. Afterwards, Governor Phil Scott will host a Hanukkah story reading inside with music, latkes and donuts and fresh pressed cider.
Community Hanukkah Celebration
Light Hanukkah candles! Play Dreidel! Sing! Eat latkes and more!
Annual PJ Library in Vermont Update
We are excited to share with you our
accomplishments this year. In 2022, Jewish Communities of Vermont, implementing partner for PJ Library in
Vermont, received a Signature Covenant Grant for a total of $150,000 for up to three years, to work on building
and expanding the Jewish community in Vermont for statewide community building programs for all ages. We just
received the grant for the second year.
Covenant Grant
Through the Covenant Grant, in 2022, JCVT awarded Mini grants to 13 synagogues and Jewish organizations to
bring the Jewish community together to celebrate Jewish cultural and communal events. We also co-sponsored
Jewish music concerts and a film festival. We know that in all the programs offered, many individuals and families
who attended were not members of synagogues or affiliated with the Jewish community.
We were very excited that so many Jewish organizations wanted to provide Jewish gatherings to the Jewish
community, especially to unaffiliated Jewish families and adults. There are so many Jews who want to be
connected to Jewish life but need a way to find their way in. We offered four regional events and many local
events as a doorway into being connected to the Jewish community.
At the largest regional gathering, Northern Nosh, we offered a Hanukkah puppet show, a children’s concert, and
an intergenerational songwriting workshop, all with well-known Jewish artists, including and Anna Sobel, Joanie
Leeds and Jon Gailmor. Popular and beloved puppeteer Anna Sobel also brought the audience into the puppet’s
world at two other regional events.
PJ Library in Vermont
PJ Library in Vermont is now a well-known and well-liked program. We send monthly books for over 600 kids in
Vermont ages 0-12. PJ Library families are encouraged to invite other families to do something Jewish together
through Get Together Grants, where they are reimbursed up to $100 for food. However, there are still many
people who don’t know about PJ Library and are very interested in enrolling once they know. We had a PJ Library
table at four regional events which was a great way to promote the program. Monthly Zoom and in-person
Shabbat and Holiday programs for families for families are very popular at Temple Sinai in Burlington. We also co-
sponsored many PJ Library programs with other synagogues throughout the state. During Hanukkah, PJ Library in
Vermont cosponsored a public Menorah lighting at the State Capital where attendees were invited inside the
Statehouse to hear the Governor read a PJ Library story to children, to sing Hanukkah songs with a local Jewish
musician and enjoy local cider, hot latkes and donuts. At the regional gatherings and Hanukkah party, PJ Library
books were given out to all.
Harold Grinspoon Grant for Family Education
Through the Parenting Education Grant, state-wide parenting classes and family programs on Zoom and in person
are currently being offered using traditional and modern sources for topics including Feeding the Family, Teaching
our Children about Tzedakah and Encouraging Gratitude. Outdoor Family programs that have been offered at the
Living Tree Alliance Jewish Moshav included Tu B’Shvat and Shugar and Shmooze. Upcoming programs will be
Mother’s Day on the Farm and Shavuot on the Mountain. A week-long Jewish children’s overnight camp will be
offered this summer at Living Tree Alliance, co-sponsored by PJ Library in Vermont. PJ Library families can apply
for a grant for this camp and any overnight Jewish summer camp.
PJ Library Collaborations with local synagogues for family programs across the state have included Temple Sinai,
Jewish Community of Greater Stowe, Beth Jacob, Shir Shalom, Chabad of Vermont and Rutland Jewish Center
Tamim academy
Tamim academy
Vermont’s first and only Jewish day school is located in the heart of Burlington. Guided by leading educators and enriched by the spirit of community, Tamim Academy prepared students for purposeful lives by empowering them with a positive self- concept, a passion for learning and eternal Jewish values.
More information is at: www.tamimvt.org