Hanukkah is celebrated each year when the days are short and the nights are long and dark. For eight whimsical nights, family and friends gather to enjoy precious time together. Delicious meals are prepared, prayers are said, and children play games while the menorah shines. Like so many other holidays and events this year, Hanukkah had to be spent without gathering in large groups. Still, Jewish Tidewater was determined to not let distance impact traditions.
PJ Library of Tidewater started a new tradition this year, creating “PJ in a Box.” Designed to help families celebrate Jewish holidays and learn about different mitzvot, these boxes contain crafts and activities for children and information cards for the entire family.
“Hanukkah in a Box” partnered with the community’s annual Latkepalooza, adding a physical element to this year’s virtual event. The children shared the Hanukkiah they made with their box during a community candle lighting with Rabbi Marc Kraus of Temple Emanuel. Each box recipient also received a copy of The Ninth Night of Hanukkah by Erica Perl. The author joined live on Zoom for Latkepalooza, sharing her book and leading the children in creating thank you cards for the shamashim (helpers) in their lives.
With overwhelming positive feedback, PJ Library in Tidewater plans to continue boxes of fun in 2021 with “Purim in a Box” to stay connected with families during these times and serve as a resource for families raising Jewish children.
To learn more about PJ in a Box or other PJ Library in Tidewater programs, contact Nofar Trem, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s PJ Library program professional at ntrem@ujft.org.
– Nofar Trem