In this issue:
February is short. Make it meaningful by teaching & doing tzedakah (justice/charity).
Teaching kids how to share is one of the first values that many parents convey to their children. The Jewish ethic of tzedakah can help kids understand that what they do matters and that they can make a difference in this world. Read more.
Justice in action: The Mandel JCC "More to Explore" preschool class led by teachers Kathy Klein and Annie Cernoia sewed 30 hats for donation to Operation Warm-Up , helping Cleveland's homeless population stay warm. See pictures of the 4- and 5-year olds who personally delivered the hats to the drop-off box at the Jewish Federation.
Here are some opportunities for YOUR FAMILY to make a difference:
- Cover to Cover! A book project to benefit Ginn Academy. Volunteers are needed to inventory books, purchase books, and stock the library shelves. Learn more!
- Bring the kids to "Play it Safe," 2/13, 12:00-4:00 p.m. Hear PJ Library favorite, "The Peace Book," by Todd Parr and learn about constructive play, the effects of violent toys and video games on children’s behavior, and gun safety. Check out these great resources!
- Volunteer at Super Sunday," 2/27, 9 a.m.- 7:00 p.m. Make the call and support the 2011 Campaign for Jewish Needs. Every gift is a promise to improve the world. (Kids' activities and babysitting available.) Training provided / no experience needed. Learn more & register.
- Visit a nursing home, donate food, shovel a neighbor’s sidewalk, or check out Jewish Volunteer Network for more ideas.
Cabin Fever Remedies, from Amy Speidel, Certified Parenting Coach and Director of Senders Parenting Center
The body needs to move, the body needs sunshine, and the body needs novelty! From dance parties and building forts out of blankets, to backwards days and finding a sunny indoor spot, Speidel offers creative cabin fever remedies to help you and your kids thrive this winter.
Check out our parent favorites for indoor and outdoor family winter fun.
Camp Wise Mom's Camp Presents Mahj-Podge Meet-up!
Thursday, February 10 - It's a ladies night for camp-style fun you won't want to miss! Space is limited. Learn more & RSVP!
PJ Library®Needs YOU!
- Tell your friends about PJ Library®! 1882 Cleveland kids are receiving FREE PJ Library® books. Help us reach another 118 Cleveland kids, ages 6 months - 7 years, by sending them to an easy, online registration page.
- Attend NCJW’s "Play It Safe" event
Sunday, February 13, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. Hear PJ Library Favorite "The Peace Book" by Todd Parr and learn about constructive play, the effects of violent toys and video games on children’s behavior, and gun safety.
- Save the date: PJ Library® Story Time at Gross Schechter Day School Wednesday, March 16, 9:30-10:30 a.m. E-mail Kelly at krubanenko@jcfcleve.org to schedule a PJ Library Story Time at your school, synagogue, or favorite kid-space.
- Volunteer with PJ Library®! Help connect PJ Library families and plan great events. Flexible hours and wonderful benefits. E-mail Kelly at krubanenko@jcfcleve.org for more information.
- Show PJ Library love on Facebook! Join the PJ Library-Cleveland Facebook fan page. Meet other PJ parents, help determine upcoming events, post pictures, share feedback… and have the opportunity to say THANKS to our generous donors. Please help spread the word!!!
Meet Seth Bromberg
Meet Seth Bromberg - Brooklyn Native and Proud Owner/Operator of The Melting Pot. Check out his Cleveland connection.
Upcoming Events
So much to do! For a complete list of events and experiences in Northeast Ohio, visit us at www.letmypeopleknowcleveland.com/Connect/Calendar!
- 2/4, 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Meet Elmo at My Gym Children’s Fitness Center’s Open House. Free.
- 2/7, 7:00 p.m. An Evening with Dr. Sylvia Rimm – "Raising Preschoolers to be Happy Achieving Children" at The Mandel JCC
- 2/8, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Promoting Healthy Teen Relationships: A Multi-Media Seminar and Intergenerational Dialogue at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, Mandel Building.
- 2/10, 7:30-10:00 p.m. Camp Wise Mom’s Camp Presents: Mahj-Podge Meet-up! An evening of camp-style fun open to all women! Arts and crafts, mah jong, and other games shared over wine-tasting and delicious treats. BYOFW (favorite wine!)
- 2/13, 10:00-11:30 a.m. "Playdate" for kids 2-5 at Gross Schechter Day School.
- 2/13, Heats from 12:00-5:00 p.m. The Mandel JCC Indoor Triathlon: Swimming, Cycle, Running and Raising $ for Scholarships.
- 2/13, 1:00-4:00 p.m. Play it Safe, sponsored by NCJW @ Richmond Towne Center Mall.
- 2/13, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Auditions for the musical "Wizard of Oz," presented by The Mandel JCC Playmakers Youth Theatre. Grades 2-9.
- 2/15, 7:30 p.m. "Attentionality" Challenges: Why Kids struggle In School. Presented by Dr. Arthur Lavin at The Agnon School.
- 2/17, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Appreciative Inquiry Summit at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, Mandel Building. Explore the variety of ways that Jewish women can have a positive impact on our community and then help mobilize participant voices toward specific initiatives and projects.
- 2/23, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Connect and Create at the Federation’s Women to Women "Paint for a Purpose!" Event at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, Mandel Building. Hands on Pottery will help with the painting of kitchenware to be donated to Hebrew Shelter Home’s transitional apartment.
- 2/24, 10:00 a.m. Grandparent-led PJ Library® Story Time at DeVille Apartments in Beachwood.
Know any new babies under 1? Spread the word 'cuz we've got FREE GIFTS (really great tchotchkes) for them! 
Friends and family can Register new babies online or call 216.593.2900, ext. 213. Believe me, they’ll thank you for it!
Let My People Grow is a program of the Federation's Strengthening & Growing initiative to welcome new babies to Jewish Cleveland.
Connect to Cleveland!
This Let My People Knowsletter is brought to you by the team at Strengthening & Growing Jewish Cleveland, a project of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. We're here, online and in person, to provide information and resources to help you live, play, prosper and CONNECT in Jewish (and not–so–Jewish) Cleveland.
Tell us what you want to see in future LMPK eNewsletters.
Check out
www.LetMyPeopleKnowCleveland.com for information on where to Move, Connect, Work, Play, Eat, Celebrate, Nest (raise kids), Learn, Volunteer and get your local News. From job resources to sports leagues, family field trips to no–kids–allowed date nights, we've got the Cleveland scoop. Join us online and in person and tell your friends!