On any given morning you can find 10 strollers parked outside the Levy Family Campus doors. The joyful sound of toddlers playing or making pretend Shabbat pizza fills the air of the former Membership Suite in the Addison-Penzak JCC lobby. Parents connect to discuss everything from local parks to their professional pursuits. Babies nurse, and families cuddle on plush couches and listen to stories. Staff, board members, teachers, and parents stop by the PJ Library to check out a range of Jewish books that will nourish young learners. Rabbi Laurie Matzkin, Family Educator and PJ Library Manager, greets children and families as she prepares for the J-Fam Jewish Baby Play Group; or as she collects shakers and rhythm sticks to bring to the Music Together Sing Shalom on our outdoor field.
This reimagined space is the culmination of a Spring 2021 merger between the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley and the Addison-Penzak JCC to become the new Jewish Silicon Valley. JSV seized this kismet opportunity to re-calibrate the use of their spaces. The result? A warm, welcoming hub for families and children from across the community to connect, rest, build friendships, learn, and engage in Jewish life together.
Thanks to visionary leadership and support from the community, Jewish Silicon Valley’s new Family Center is home to PJ Library of Silicon Valley and other family-focused programs like J-Fam Baby Play Group, Moms’ Circle, Special Needs Parenting Support Group, Shabbat Schmooze, and many more. The space also offers family drop-in hours, providing calm moments when families can relax in the Family Center’s adult and children’s areas or pick up a copy of our new South Bay Jewish Family Resource Guide.
The last few years have been challenging for communities all around the world. That’s why Jewish Silicon Valley will continue our important work to ensure a vibrant local Jewish community, by promoting the well-being of all people.
Stop by the Family Center to say hello and see what we’re up to any time. We can’t wait to meet you!
For more information on how to participate, contact [email protected].
J-Fam has helped me integrate and acclimate to a new environment when coming from out of state. I was so isolated when I arrived and it was great to have a place to go. All my friends now are moms that I met through J-Fam!
It’s the self-care I actually make time for!
It’s been an amazing way to note my son’s development - week after week, I notice his growth in the Family Center. It’s so special for him to interact with the other babies, and for me, it’s such a special community and wealth of knowledge
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