Why Read a Book?
• For information
• For pleasure
• To promote Jewish identity
We are moving into the "dog days of summer" – defined as the hottest, most sultry days of summer. The term is believed to have derived from the ancient belief that Sirius (the dog star) was closest to the sun and responsible for the hot weather – Wikipedia. It’s a good opportunity to take a break and READ!!! Now, I know that all schools have a summer reading list for students, but there are also Jewish reading lists and it is said that reading Jewish books helps to promote Jewish identity. Wow! Two for the price of one.
With this in mind, the following websites have good Jewish book lists for children:
• http://books4jewishkids.tripod.com
• http://goodreads.com/list/tag/jewish
• http://tabletmag.com/jewish-life-and-religion/86195/children’s-books-2011
• http://siegalcollege.edu/pdf/jbm2010children.pdf
• http://jewishbookcouncil.org/resources/jewish-children’s-and-young-adult-reading-list
Bring your children by the Kehillah and check out a book (or two) from our library. We are looking for volunteers to staff the library on Sunday mornings during Religious School hours so that we may regularly bring our younger students in to check out books. Contact me if you’re interested.
I’d love to hear recommendations from our students about books they have read and loved. Please ask them to keep a list and bring it with them on the first day of Religious School (which is August 19) and I will publish our very own list in the October newsletter.
GOOD NEWS FROM THE PRESCHOOL
TKC has recently been awarded a micro-grant from PJ Library and the Atlanta Jewish Federation. Thank you to Catherine Rosing and Caroline Figiel for developing a program to teach mitzvot to young children through music,stories and activities. The date for the program is yet to be determined but stay tuned for more information on this and other exciting adventures for families at TKC.
Speaking of PJ Library, we are constantly amazed by the number of people who have not heard of this fabulous, FREE (at least in Atlanta, thanks to generous donors) program which puts quality Jewish books and music into the hands of children. PJ Library is a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, made possible through partnerships with philanthropists and local Jewish organizations. Today, families in hundreds of communities across the United States and Canada are able to explore the timeless core values of Judaism through books and music.
All families raising Jewish children from age six months through eight years in the 50 mile radius around Atlanta are welcome to enroll their children. Your child will receive Jewish books and CDs monthly until they age out. Go online to http://www.pjlibrary.org/Communities/Enroll-in-a-Community.aspx?id=35 to take advantage of this wonderful program today!!
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