A PJ Library book swap families won’t want to miss is about to begin. 

 Starting April 6, collection boxes located in the Sandler Family Campus lobby and at Strelitz International Academy will accept children’s outgrown PJ Library books. Donations will be accepted through May 1. Then, starting Monday, May 4, all collected books will be displayed on tables in the Campus lobby for families to browse and take home. 

 It’s all about sharing stories, passing along beloved favorites, and helping books find new readers. Whether donating a few titles or browsing, be part of this fun exchange that celebrates reading, community, and the joy of finding a next favorite story.

Information: jewishva.org/pj or Blake Sisler at bsisler@ujft.org.

A fun afternoon of bowling and beading is planned for middle school students this month. 

 Participants have the choice to hit the bowling lanes with friends, spend time creating beaded crafts, or enjoy a mix of both throughout the afternoon. 

 This is a time where middle schoolers can socialize, try something new, and connect with peers in a welcoming environment. Bring some energy, creativity, and maybe even a friend or two. This will be an afternoon filled with conversation, and a touch of friendly competition. 

$5 per person.

 Registration and more information: Jewishva.org/bowling or Blake Sisler at bsisler@ujft.org.

Parents, guardians, and their little ones are invited to participate in an hour of connection and fun every Thursday.

  Join for coffee and a sweet treat while babies enjoy age-appropriate activities and playful games designed to engage. This is also an opportunity to connect with other caregivers, share stories, swap tips, and enjoy some much-needed adult conversation. 

 Baby and Me is open to all guardians with babies up to 24 months. Free to attend. No registration or JCC membership is required. Be ready to enjoy a morning of community. 

Information: jewishva.org/pj or Blake Sisler at bsisler@ujft.org.

Tu B’Shevat, the New Year of the Trees, is a Jewish holiday that marks the “birthday” of trees and celebrates a connection to the land, nature, and renewal. Once tied to the agricultural calendar in Israel, it is now a moment to focus on caring for the environment and nurturing growth.

 Families can bring Tu B’Shevat to life at home through simple, hands-on activities. Kids can help by recycling, saving water, turning off lights, and cleaning up outdoor spaces. Caring for a nearby tree by watering it, clearing weeds, or picking up trash around it helps children see how their actions make a difference. Planting is another popular way to celebrate the holiday – whether that means starting herbs on a windowsill, sprouting an avocado pit in water, or planting parsley to use later for Passover. These activities encourage curiosity, responsibility, and appreciation for the natural world. 

  PJ Library in Tidewater invites families to celebrate at Tu B’Shevat Sunday Funday. This program will be filled with interactive stations where kids can explore nature, plant seeds, learn about trees and the environment, and create crafts inspired by the holiday, all while having fun with friends. 

To learn more about different ways to celebrate Tu B’Shevat at home, visit pjlibrary.org. 

 Each week, a nominated family will receive a basket containing a challah, along with other Shabbat essentials. After enjoying the basket, families are encouraged to nominate the next household to participate, ensuring the tradition continues and allowing more families to share Shabbat joy with one another. Nominations can be submitted at Jewishva.org/ChallahTrain.

 This simple act helps families connect with neighbors, celebrate Jewish traditions, and experience the power of community.

 PJ Library is providing the foundation for this initiative. The goal of the PJ Library Challah Train in Tidewater is to give families an opportunity to be part of a meaningful tradition that combines generosity, celebration, and connection. 

To learn more about PJ Library and the Challah Train in Tidewater, visit Jewishva.org/ChallahTrain or contact Blake Sisler, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s coordinator of Youth and Family Engagement, at Bsisler@UJFT.org.

To learn more about family programming visit https://jcc.jewishva.org/pj-library or contact Blake Sisler at Bsisler@UJFT

 PJ Library in Tidewater is committed to making programming accessible to families. By hosting events in a variety of locations, families can participate in engaging activities close to home – limiting the need to travel far. These neighborhood pop-ups provide opportunities for families to meet neighbors and help form a welcoming, close-knit Jewish community.

 PJ Library in Tidewater plans to offer more pop-ups in future months and encourages families to share their ideas for convenient locations. Contact Blake Sisler at Bsisler@ujft.org with suggestions. Every recommendation helps PJ Library bring programming closer to families, creating more opportunities for connection within the larger community.

To learn more about PJ Library in Tidewater, visit JewishVA.org/PJLibrary or contact Blake Sisler, UJFT’s coordinator of youth and family engagement at Bsisler@ujft.org.

United Jewish Federation of Tidewater is launching a new initiative to bring community members together: Monthly Volunteer Days. Volunteers will gather once a month to take part in meaningful hands-on projects that benefit UJFT or partner Jewish agencies on the Sandler Family Campus.

Each month’s projects will vary, ranging from sorting food donations, to labeling books, writing thank-you notes, assembling care packages, or preparing materials for classrooms or programs. Volunteers can participate in one session or several throughout the year.

“This initiative gives community members an easy, flexible way to roll up their sleeves and help strengthen Jewish Tidewater,” says Sierra Lautman, UJFT’s senior director of Jewish Innovation. “It’s also a wonderful opportunity to connect with others while supporting the incredible work happening across our campus.”

Interested volunteers may sign up online to share their availability and will receive details about upcoming projects each month.

For more information or to sign up, visit JewishVA.org/volunteer or contact Sierra Lautman at slautman@ujft.org.

 Rabbi Stutman previously served as the founding rabbi of Washington, D.C.’s Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, where she became a national leader in creating welcoming, inclusive communities. She has been honored as one of The Forward’s “Most Inspiring Rabbis” and recognized by T’ruah as a Rabbinic Human Rights Hero for her commitment to justice and impact on Jewish life.

 In her new book, The Jewish Way to a Good Life, Rabbi Stutman shows how timeless Jewish values can help guide toward lives of purpose, connection, and meaning.

 This program is presented in partnership with United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Konikoff Center for Learning.

For more information about the festival or to sponsor or volunteer, contact Hunter Thomas, director of Arts + Ideas at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater at HThomas@UJFT.org or 757-965-6137.