Supporting Families Across Our Community
The Addison-Penzak JCC nurtures families by cultivating experiences where children can thrive, parents can connect, and families can grow together. Some of those events are listed on this page. Browse through our Community Calendar to see other upcoming events your family might enjoy.
In August 2021 JSV opened our Family Center in the APJCC lobby. This warm, welcoming hub for families and children from across the community is the perfect place to connect, rest, build friendships, learn, and engage in Jewish life together.
For information about any of the programs listed below, please contact Rabbi Laurie Matzkin, our Family Educator & PJ Library Manager, at rabbilaurie@jvalley.org.
For programs for Hebrew or Russian-speaking families, see the Israeli and Russian program pages.
Ongoing Family Programs
J-Fam Baby Playgroup
Sharing, singing, learning and mutual support are all are part our sessions! Make connections with other families and strengthen your bond with your little one. Siblings also enjoy our songs & stories. Our arms are open to moms, dads, grandparents or other caregivers.
Schedule: Tuesdays, May 3rd – June 28th | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Location: APJCC field
Fee: $80 for 9 sessions (scholarships available)
Monthly Mom’s Circle
Diverse, thoughtful women come together to enjoy text study, self-reflection, journaling, and real-life themes relevant to mothers of all ages and stages. This framework for reflection and mindfulness is organized around the Jewish calendar but applies to women of all faiths. We welcome all moms, including first-time participants!
Schedule: Tuesdays, April 12th & May 17th | 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Location: JSV Family Center (inside) APJCC Lobby
Fee: Free, no pre-registration required
Music Together Sing Shalom
Schedule: Fridays, May 6th – June 24th | 11:00 – 11:45 am
Fee: $185 for 8 sessions
Support(ive) Group for Parenting on the Special Needs Journey
Parenting can be joyful, stressful, uplifting and frustrating – all in one day (hour?!). The journey to, through, and beyond a special needs diagnosis can make the parenting experience all the more intense. Join an intimate circle of fellow travelers every other Monday night for sharing, listening, and supporting each other with practical advice. Jewish wisdom will be used as a framework for discussion prompts; however, no Jewish background or affiliation is necessary.
For parents of preschool and early-elementary-aged children with any diagnosis. Co-sponsored by APJCC and Parents Helping Parents.
Time: Every other Monday, 8:00 – 9:00 pm
Location: Online via Zoom video conference
Fee: Free
Tiny Treks Teva
Tiny Treks is a beloved local nature program and outdoor school and this is a special cohort for PJ families! Experience Jewish values, traditions, and holidays while falling in love with nature, in beautiful outdoor locations around the South Peninsula and South Bay. For kids ages 1-7 and their grownups.
Each session includes a short hike, nature exploration, hands-on Jewish activities, community-building, snacks, songs, and storytime. Between each of our 10 monthly sessions, you will receive personal support for “doing Jewish” at home.
Schedule: Monthly on Sundays (first session of ’22-’23 school year is Sunday, September 11th)
Locations: Nature spots around the South Bay
Fee: $500
