Growing Jewish Families with Young Children

For more information about any of the programs mentioned below, or to be added to the Growing Jewish Families (GJF) mailing list, contact Lead Community Engagement Coordinator Jennifer DeAngelis, 703.537.3045.

GJF cultivates community and connects families raising Jewish children in Northern Virginia by sponsoring playdates and community events; organizing neighborhood groups; and maintaining social networking groups on Facebook, Meetup, and Yahoo — all to help you connect and stay connected with families in your area. As part of this network, you will have access to educational and social opportunities in your own backyard. You will receive regular e-newsletters chock full of information and educational links, announcements of upcoming local children’s programs and family events, and more.  

GJF continues to broaden its reach to serve even more areas throughout Northern Virginia. Programming sites include the areas of Alexandria, Arlington, Ashburn, Broadlands, Burke, Chantilly, Centreville, Fairfax, Falls Church, Gainesville, Herndon, Leesburg, Manassas, Reston, South Riding, Springfield, Sterling, and Vienna. 

Monthly Programs:

NEW! Jewish Children’s Music Classes
Rhythm 'N' Ruach®

Sundays, 10:30 am–11:15 am
Location: Pozez JCC
Theme: Exploring Shabbat Together!
Led by Andrea Cate, certified Rhythm ‘n’ Ruach Facilitator
Most enjoyed by children birth–5yrs.
Each week, you and your child will have a musical Shabbat adventure including a variety of hands-on experiences including exploring exciting musical instruments; learning a Hebrew word; singing and dancing to Jewish and secular music; and learning Jewish values. A fun and joyful Jewish experience for little ones and their loving adults!
Fee:   $180 per child ($108 for second child) (pro-ration on a case by case basis)

Session I
December–February

Session II
March–May

Challah Tots

Most enjoyed by children up to age 8.
Start your own special Shabbat tradition with your little one(s)! Join Growing Jewish Families for a fun-filled morning of braiding challah and listening to a very special PJ Library story! Whole Foods provides the dough and you provide the smiles as we create the perfect challah to take home and bake for Shabbat!

Whole Foods Old Town Alexandria
10am–11am
Location: 1700 Duke St.

For more information and to RSVP, contact Jennifer DeAngelis, 703.537.3045

PJ Library Book Buddies

Most enjoyed by children 12 months-8 years
We invite moms, dads, grandparents, and those who love books to bring your little ones to enjoy PJ Library storytime. Each month, we also incorporate a different Jewish theme or holiday into multiple crafts projects for the kids to bring home.

Location: Chantilly Public Library, 4000 Stringfellow Rd., Chantilly
Thursdays, 10:30am–11:30am
Fee: No admission fee

Location: Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 North St., Fairfax
Wednesdays, 10:30am–11:30am
Fee: No admission fee

Location: Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Rd, Ashburn, VA 20147
TBA, 4pm-5pm
Fee: No admission fee

For information and to RSVP contact Jennifer DeAngelis, 703.537.3045.

Shalom Babies and Tots

Monthly Playdates. Three Opportunities for Fun!  MEET... CONNECT... PLAY! Little ones aren’t the only ones who want to have fun. Come meet friends and enjoy a morning of fun while the little ones play in a warm and safe environment.

Shalom Babies and Tots @ the J
Sundays, TBA
10am–11:30am, the J Romper Room (please bring socks for kids and adults)
Recommended for ages 0–3yrs
Fee: No admission fee

Shalom Babies and Tots @ NoVa Playlabs, 3656 Centerview Dr., Chantilly
Sundays, TBA
10am–11:30am  
Recommended for ages 0–5 years
Fee: No admission fee

Shalom Babies and Tots @ Agudas Achim, 2908 Valley Dr., Alexandria
Sundays, TBA
11am–12pm
Oh Say Shalom Sing Along recommended for ages 0–5 years. 
Fee: No admission fee

I Say Shalom Baby and Me Play Group @ Gesher Jewish Day School, 4800 Mattie Moore Ct., Fairfax
Tuesdays, January 28, February 25, March 31, April 28, May 26
10:15am-11am
Recommended for ages 0–3 years
Fee: No admission fee

Connecting the Expecting

OMG! We're having a baby" and "Announcing the arrival of our newest family member," — let's get together! These gatherings at venues of your choice are designed to help you make Jewish connections in your neighborhood during your last two trimesters. Moms, dads, singles, couples, first-timers, and ‘frequent fliers’... we’ve got you covered. Your group will meet socially a few times and will also be introduced to your j.family Ambassador who can be a wonderful resource for you in the Jewish community. Once connected, your group will determine how often and where you'd like to meet based on needs and schedules. No need to clean your house and prepare for guests! Everyone is responsible for their own tab at locations. All expecting parents are welcome: singles or couples, interfaith, multiple children, etc. 

For more information, contact Amy Lummer, 703.537.3037.

GJF Park Create ‘n Play Neighborhood Playdates

Come out and play in the park with Growing Jewish Families. These playdates are a great way to meet other families that live in your neighborhood! Be on the lookout for these when the weather is right for outdoor playtime. GJF and your local J-Family Ambassadors are excited to help you connect with other Jewish families close to home.

Please contact Jennifer DeAngelis, 703.537.3045, for information on how to start a playgroup in your neck of the woods! 

Mighty Mitzvah Makers
Family Social Action Experiences

Contact: Jennifer DeAngelis, 703.537.3045. 
Connect with other families interested in social justice issues and introduce your kids to family-friendly ways to give back to their communities - from counting diapers to sorting food, look for family opportunities to give back to the community every other month. Email Jennifer to be included on the GJF Social Action Club email list and/or to email her with ideas and suggestions.

Coffee and Convos

Looking to meet other Jewish families in your neighborhood? Join your local J-Family Ambassador (jfa) for one of these drop-in events close to home. Stop by with or without your little ones, grab a 'cuppa' coffee and relax. We would love the chance to take a quick coffee break with you!

For details on upcoming C&Cs in your neighborhood, please contact your area jfa or the J-Family Ambassador Program Manager at Amy Lummer, 703.537.3037.

Shabbat Celebrations

Celebrate Shabbat with your family and new and not-so-new friends! Growing Jewish Families will help you connect with families who live near you to share a family-friendly celebration with other folks from your area. Contact Amy Lummer for information on how you can join a Shabbat Celebration near you!

All Aboard the GJF Tot Shabbat Train

Synagogue shopping? Meet up with local families from the J's GJF program and experience kid-friendly Shabbat services at various synagogues around NoVA. While Tot Shabbats are designed for toddlers and preschoolers, the whole family is invited to attend. RSVP strongly requested due to space and security reasons.

For more information, contact Amy Lummer, 703.537.3037.