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. 

Special Events:

Pajama Havdalah Party

Saturday, Nov. 16, 6:30-7:30pm
Recommended for ages 2-8 years old 
Location: Cherrydale Volunteer Firehouse, 3900 Lee Hwy., Arlington, VA
Come in your pajamas! Have a fun evening and warm up with hot chocolate & other drinks, snack, storytime, dancing and a musical Havdalah! 
Free: RSVP by November 14 to http://bit.ly/PJHavdalahParty2019
Questions? Contact Michelle.Leichty@theJ.org, 703.537.3019

Monthly Programs:

Rhythm 'N' Ruach (CLASS POSTPONED - REGISTRATION EXTENDED)

Theme: Exploring Shabbat Together

Sundays, 10:30-11:15am
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 second child)
For information, contact Amy.Lummer@theJ.org, 703.537.3037
Learn more about Rhythm 'N' Ruach at www.rhythmnruach.com 

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!

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.

Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 North St., Fairfax
Wednesdays, November 6
10:30am-11:30am
Fee: Free

Chantilly Public Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly
Thursdays, November 7, December 5
10:30am-11:30am
Fee: Free

For information and to RSVP contact Jennifer DeAngelis, 703.537.3045.

j.family Rosh Hashanah Supper Circles

Calling all j.family Ambassador families: start a new tradition for your growing family! Meals are more fun and a lot less work when you share the experience with friends. Stay tuned for sign up information in late August to link up with other families with young children from your area.

For more information, contact Amy Lummer, 703.537.3037.

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

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.

Shabbat Clusters

Celebrate Shabbat with your family and with friends new and not so new! Growing Jewish Families would love to help you connect with families who live near you to share a family-friendly meal with other folks from your neighborhood. 

Contact Jennifer DeAngelis, 703.537.3045, for information on how you can join a Shabbat Cluster.

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.

Havdalah Hangouts

Looking for a gentle, low-stress way to introduce a beautiful Jewish tradition into your family’s summer? Do you and your family enjoy long, lazy summer evenings hanging out with friends just as the stars begin to light up the sky? Please join Growing Jewish Families and your local j.family Ambassadors for three different Havdalah Hangout events this summer, as we say farewell to Shabbat and begin our new week in the company of wonderful friends — new and old! Whether you're schmoozing, picnicking, or just chillin’, be sure to join us for tons of family fun!
Fee: Free

For information on upcoming Havdalah Hangouts, contact Amy Lummer, 703.537.3037.

Sweet Summer Series

Cool off with a sweet treat on a hot summer evening — dessert, stories and crafts! Join PJ Library^® and our PJ Library^® Community Partners as we celebrate summer, sweets, books and community across all of Northern Virginia! These events are co-sponsored by Pozez JCC’s GJF and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. 

For information and to RSVP, contact Michelle Leichty, 703.537.3019.